View Full Version : First ESA Assessment.
I have been called for my first assessment at the ESA centre. They have sent me directions and to get there I would have to get on 5 buses. I have such bad panic attacks I find it hard to get on even one bus for a short journey. I simply do not have the funds for a taxi and have no one available to give me a lift.
Any suggestions on what I can do?
I think in certain circumstances they can reimburse travel costs.
It is not really the travel expenses I am worried about it is more the panic attacks. I find even very short journeys on buses or trains extremely difficult.
If you explain this they may pay for the taxi then you don't have to worry about changing buses.
To be honest I am concerned about being in a panic inducing situation full stop. I am going to ring them on Monday and try for a home visit.
bernie1977
09-08-13, 20:24
My Doctor wrote a letter for me explaining that I have agoraphobia and if they wanted to see me for a medical it would have to be a home visit. Maybe you could see if your Doctor would write a letter for you explaining your situation
I tried for a home visit and failed. My doctor even told them he was having to visit me at home and that I wasn't well enough to attend meetings but they still made me go :( I was in a right state by the time I got there which I guess made them realise how ill I was but it wasn't good for me :( Luckily my step daughter was able to take me there.
bernie1977
09-08-13, 20:30
I wouldn't have stood for that Annie, that's awful. How can they think they know better than your GP? I would have got Welfare Rights or Citizens Advice involved. ATOS are *******!!
My GP wrote a letter stating that because of significant agoraphobia I would be unable to travel to the assessment centre and a home visit would be needed. Talk to your GP and tell your worries. He may be willing to support your claim.
Just to let you know - there is a help with benefit section on the forum where you might find info which would interest you.
If they prove difficult then I will request my gp's support. i am sure he will as he has just prescribed me a home alcohol detox so i am sure he will agree i am not up to it.
I wouldn't have stood for that Annie, that's awful. How can they think they know better than your GP? I would have got Welfare Rights or Citizens Advice involved. ATOS are *******!!
It was awful Bernie but at least they saw me in my worst state which I guess benefited me in the end. I was crying down the phone to them saying I wasn't well enough to go but they insisted they wouldn't do a home visit and if I didn't go I would lose my benefit. I guess a lot depends on who you get on the end of the phone :(
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