Applying for ESA
Hello,
Over the last couple of years I've struggled fairly badly with mental health difficulties and a range of physical symptoms that may or may not be related (a feeling of extreme restlessness, poor concentration, fatigue, visual disturbances). I was doing a postgraduate degree which I struggled on with despite my issues. I took an additional year to complete it but last month I managed to finally submit something.
However, I have to make a decision now. I have to find money in some way to live. While ideally I would like to be get a job that I enjoy, I'm not sure that I could with my current anxiety. I've not been successful with medication recently - I'm currently trying another one but its only had a partial effect so far, and I've been hit with a lot of nasty side effects.
I was therefore seeking advice as to what I should do? Either sign on to jobseekers allowance, and hope that they can take into account my anxiety, or apply for ESA until I get my health stabilised. If I do apply for ESA, how long will it take to claim? I know there have been some horror stories about ATOS medicals, but how soon after applying would I have to attend one of these? Would the fact that I recently completed a degree count against me?
Thanks for your help
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Today's mood rating - calculation in progress.