Need some advice on ESA

[IASTA]

Hi, I don't really know what to do. I have suffered from anxiety since I was about 5 and have tried CBT, stress classes and now at 17 im now on fluoxetine 20ml, after many years of asking the doctor since my depression has gotten worse since I have to leave sixform due to troubles, I have been given it to see if it helps.

I do not work as I can not hold down a job, I volunteer at a dog kennels but do not receive pay. I have medication which I have to pay for 2 lots, and I dislike having my mum pay for me.

Question is would ESA be the right step for me? I don't know how to do it or where to begin. Any advice would be appreciated. x

[Moley]

hi Iasta

ESA would probably be a good start for u if u are unable to work due to ur mental health. I have recently applied for this myself I would highly recommend getting help to fill in the forms. I went to a mental health charity called MIND if u have a branch near u I would advise u get in touch with them and see if u can have an appointment with 1 of there benefit teams to help u. if u have got a local MIND u could try citizens advice bureau or google to see if there are any benefit support charities in ur area.

to apply for ESA u will need to get ur gp to give u a sick as u have to provide these to the DWP. it might also be a good idea to have a look at PIP if u need help with ur daily needs like not being able to dress because u have no motivation and need prompting to eat cause u cant face it.

I will have a look for a few links that might help u and add them here

hope this helps for now

---------- Post added at 11:35 ---------- Previous post was at 11:33 ----------

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/overview

https://www.gov.uk/pip/overview

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php (http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php)