They're only allowed to sign the first one for up to 28 days and no more.

Guys I am a bit more collected now but was somewhat panicked when I made my other posts, I'm wondering if someone can help me with this:

I applied today for ESA via telephone, I am being sent an envelope that I must enclose my medical certificate in and return it (I will do this on recorded delivery don't you worry darlins!). In around 3/3 and a half weeks, do I return to my GP and ask for another sick note to coincide with my entitlement of ESA?

Also, now I've officially made my claim, how long will it be until the assessment?

(oh, I asked my doctor today if I could have a note for a home visit, but she said "that's not to do with me, it's them". She doesn't speak very much at all and asking about ESA was easier than I thought, not quite sure where I stand?

You have to keep supplying the "fit notes". They used to send reminders before the next one was due. Don't know for sure if they still do that.

Ahh I see, thanks. So do I do that for up to 13 weeks? I assume my assessment is within these 13 weeks?

Not necessarily. It depends how busy the assessment centres are in your area.

You'll get a work capability questionnaire first and I strongly advise you to get help from the CAB or similar, or from one of the online benefit advice sites, before you fill it in.

^^^ I fully agree with LakieLady's wise advice and the nearest CAB office can be found here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ab...advice/advice/

Hi all

Big smiles and many Thanks to all on this forum ,you have helped more than you know!

Times when I haven't known where to turn, this forum and Digitalspy in general has always been there as a steady voice led by good advice and example.

I have voluntarily asked for a PIP form to transfer from a DLA indefinite award,my circumstances changed 8 years ago from having one disability to multiple problems due to car accident.

After 2 ops on feet ,a total right hip replacement (went wrong!!!) with the left THR in 2 days time,ending up with a back brace (old injury made worse) and insteps for my shoes,I have, at last, made the decision to apply.....
......More hospital appointments booked already next one is !4 April .. Fear of even more upset prevented me doing this before now but heck,I need more help!!!

So, I rang up and requested form - It came on Friday,the 18th,March with a return date of 8th April 2016 and even though I had spent
time prior collecting evidence I thought may be helpful,(Collecting all hospital appointments ,requesting medical reports and other statements pertinent to me) I still thought I needed more time so rang and asked for extension and told I could,new date 22nd .

I will give regular updates so hopefully,will be able to help others,as others helped me.

Thank you all again

In order to maximise your chances of success, I'd suggest taking LakieLady's sound advice in post #480 above. Although they are for a different physical illness, some of the advice documents here might be of interest.

The criteria for home visits is extremely narrow
Either have to be bedridden or agoraphobic with written EVIDENCE of such
If you visit your GP at the surgery you are not deemed as agoraphobic for example.
You would need supporting letter from a gp/consultant/psychiatrist if any of the above was applicable

But my GP is literally around the corner from my home, maybe a 60 second walk if that, I've not actually been referred to a psychiatrist yet

Thank you TelevisionUser .... I will go back to beginning of thread and take note of Lakieladys posts and other links

Does anyone know when I'll get my next ESA payment as I'm getting mixed answers. I'm due to get it Monday but it's a bank holiday. Usually on BHs I get it the Friday before but as its good Friday in being told it may go in tomorrow or tuesday. Anyone able to advise? Thanks x

This says tomorrow.

Thank you x

With regards to ESA and sick notes, do I get another envelope in the post in a few weeks when the next one is due or what? I'm unsure if there's a notification that tells you when the next one is due

Really dreading both the switch to PIP and an ESA reassessment. Had no problems last times with ESA (was put straight into the support group without a face to face; but it took some 20 odd weeks) - but I had just been diagnosed with a load of stuff and my previous GPs were slightly more understanding. Current ones are awful and I don't currently have a lot of medical evidence - partly due to the severe lack of support I receive.

Know easier said than done but is there a chance of finding a new practise or different GP within the current one? the more evidence you send within the initial application really does help no end.

Another idea worth a try is writing a letter to the GP putting down exactly what life is like for you and how the illnesses affect you, Stating you realise they are very busy and its not always practical simply through time constraints to go through everything.

I've considered doing this; but it's around the corner from me.

Part of my problem is that because I'm largely incureable, I don't really see anyone. I've only had to start seeing someone because of my hearing problems, which hardly anyone (because hearing tests don't pick it up) believes are a serious problem.

Out of interest, are there any occasions when you DON'T need a face to face assessment? I.e. your claim is approved without an assessment.

I'm just hoping foolishly haha

It happened to me in 2012. In my case, they contacted my GP instead and because of the information given both by me and the GP, it was enough not to be seen.

I think there was a list going around years years ago which listed people with certain conditions who didn't have to be seen.

Ah I see. Well, that's completely understandable especially with phsyical disabilities. Unfortunately (or fortunately? I don't know) mine is mental health which leaves me feeling I really have to pull out the stops to prove my anxiety and panic disorder, which is very stressful but I'm willing to face this head on.

One of the physical symptoms I have (and have mentioned three or four times to the GP) is vomiting. I get stressed very easily and the panic sets in, causing me to vomit pretty much without any warning, it's even stopped me going out because of the uncertainty. This happens on a weekly basis, I obviously mentioned this in my health report.

So part of me is worried that if I have to go to the face to face assessment, I'll be sick! Oh damn

I have both physical and learning disabilities. Unfortuantely for me, my GP doesn't really believe one of my physical disabilities because there's no test for it, (whereas, there are tests they've done and know I can't see that well, nor can I read anything smaller than font size 18) and thinks the answer is that I should get out more. Ok, we'll completely ignore the anxiety that causes and the fact that I can't actually hear clearly; but I'm not deaf. The problem being, as it was explained to me, is how my brain processes sound, rather than not being able to hear it.

I don't know why, but the more I think about this face to face assessment, the more stressed I get.

At present, I have sent the health questionnaire assessment off as well as supporting evidence. Maybe because now I have sent it I feel I am awaiting the worst. There's little things that keep getting to me, for example, I mentioned I have various stomach issues and vomiting (at worst) on a daily basis. But then I remember I've only ever mentioned this to my doctor and never actually been prescribed meidcation FOR vomiting, so basically it looks like a lie (though I was prescribed propanolol to help with panic and heart rate which was said to help my stomach issues).

I just feel very anxious about it all, I'd love to be able to breathe a sigh of relief.

One of the questions said about the face to face assessment and I put how I'd grately appreciate a home visit or over the telephone if possible, I find it extremely hard being outside in a place I don't know.

My first ESA at home medical lasted 15 mins because the nurse could see what was happening to me, the last ESA i had no medical at all and never put anything down that I didn't add to the first,

Mine are mental health and it's easy enough to prove, I also suffer from Emetophobia and have done for over 50 years,

Most of the time it's down to what your doctor puts in a letter to them.

Oh wow, I am an emetophobe too! It's been a life long struggle. It's taken every piece of me as a human being and rebuilt me again. Sounds dramatic but this phobia and the fear have crippled me, when I began vomiting it was like the Gods were against me, I felt I was caving in. I feel it's hard to explain to the doctors at times.