The decision after my work capability assessment came back remarkably quickly, I received it on Wednesday. I have been turned down for ESA as I was only awarded 6 points and you need 15 points to receive it. My next payment of Income Support will be my last.
I was very shocked by this as I expected to be put in the "work related activity group" (WRAG) at least, and still receive ESA at a reduced rate for a year and have to attend work focused interviews etc. But they have apparently denied my illness altogether almost and said I can't even receive ESA at all. I really wish I had recorded the assessment now as she has not recorded what I said and has failed to award me points accordingly.
I am of course appealing their decision and have an appointment with citizens advice next week, I'm going to have to get a sick note from my doctor too and attempt to claim ESA while I wait for my appeal to be heard.
I went to the doctor yesterday on an emergency appointment to get more antidepressants and sleeping pills as I bloody need them now obviously, my illness has got dramatically worse since hearing this and realising I'm going to have to go before a tribunal and face uncertainty while I wait for that. I have to start my appeal before I can ask to receive ESA while I wait for the tribunal, I don't know if they can turn down my claiming ESA while I wait either as if they do I'm screwed.
I can't claim Job Seekers allowance there is no way I could meet the criteria necessary to do it, and cope with going to sign on once a fortnight and face the meeting with an advisor. If my benefits stop altogether I could lose housing benefit which will put my home in jeopardy too, I've been advised to just keep in touch with the housing benefit people while it all gets sorted out and hopefully my rent won't stop.