Hello knowlegable MS’rs. Have received the first ESA Form for completion - it is a 52 page book! Never had to claim anything before and now have to to send this Form back. Any tips or advice would be appreciated? No wonder we are all reluctant to go through this - it’s very daunting and I just want to cry and curl up under a duvet and stay there lol. Linda x
Hi
I received mine a couple of weeks ago and really don’t know where to start
Hi Jaycie, on top of the ESA1 Form I received a letter from my employer this morning telling me they had received the letter from my GP that I am no longer able to continue working and if possible could I attend a meeting to discuss my termination. Kind of knew this was going to happen but the whole situation is now very real. Feel free to PM me and we can try to get through this together. Linda x
Hiya,
Here’s guides on all benefits/allowances and other forms; http://www.dls.org.uk/advice/factsheet/factsheets_download.html
G
Hi
ESA1 is the form used when your Statutory Sick Pay has come to an end. Most people are still in employment when they get this.
It is a pain in the bum but you have to fill it in – the only way through it is a bit at a time. It asks for lots of financial details to work out if you will be eligible to claim even if you don’t have sufficient Nation Insurance contributions. There really isn’t much help for filling in ESA1 because it is mostly factual and personal to you and your household. You just have to gather your information and plough through it.
I’m sorry to tell you that this is just the beginning. At the moment your inability to work is backed up by fit notes from your GP. Soon the medical opinions will be taken out of the procedure and you will have to convince DWP of your incapacity to work. This will be on form ESA50 – much more Important than ESA1. I would advise joining a website called Benefits and Work (£20.00 per year) They have excellent guides for filling in ESA50 because it really is not what you say but the way you tell ‘em.
Please post again if you need more help as you trundle through the process. Lots of us have filled in ESA50 and can offer guidance.
Jane
Hello, thanks for your support and information. This is going to be a tough road but it’s got to be done so I’ll have to jump through hoops which we shouldn’t really have to do. Its bad enough that we’ve got MS without all this added stress. Linda x
Hi Linda,
All benefit forms are never any fun to fill in. But it does get easier the more you get used to them.
You may even find yourself skipping a few pages, as not all sections may be relevent to you.
Break it down in to smaller steps, by filling in so many pages at a time.
Get a friend or family member to help you, they could help remind you of things you’ve forgotten, as well as general support.
Write in rough first, as it may take time to find the right words.
Photocopy the form after you’ve filled it in, (before you ssnd it off) so you can refer back to it in the future.
A lot of people have joined the benefit and works website ( Jane stated above ), I found it extremely helpful and well worth the money. You’d stand good ground to join them.
Good luck ,
Almond xxx