I have a question about HCL and New Style ESA. I have been on New Style ESA for four months now. I will have a health assessment soon and I am scared if they say I am fit to work. The thing is I have some good days (I feel really excited when this happens), but then I have some awful weeks and I feel really exhausted (doing nothing) or I catch any random infection, so it worries me if they say I am OK to start working.
Hi again Mary08 when it comes to benefits it makes no difference what condition you have….. cancer or not.
It’s all about how your ‘condition’ affects you and your daily living and your ability to work.
I was on the old Contribution based ESA for 6 years.
At my first 3-4 month review the assessor put me straight into the Support Group so I did not have to have regular reviews, but this was due to me being 3-4 months out from my second Allo SCT, I was still in a wheelchair and had significant post treatment challenges.
My ESA was stopped automatically once I reached pension age.
I don’t have any experience of the New Style ESA but you could call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 and talk with our benefits/financial guidance team.
Sometimes they will say there is a waiting list so don't let them forget about you.
You could also check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support facilities in your area, and do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
