JSA but feel i should be on ESA

[TW25]

Anybody on here who are on JSA who feel they should be on ESA and get more support/ help than just JSA claimants ?

 

My story is ive been in between both as was diagnosed with chronic back and leg pain. Was deemed fit for work. Had little explained to me so was even looking for full time hours and i was riddled in pain. So much so i was having to job search and eat lying on my front. Having had to do that i now have RSI in both arms all the way down to my hands. More recently ive been getting neck pain and head aches.

 

Doctor thinks it's all connected to my back pain which ive never been able to find a proper diagnosis.

Feel helpless and after hearing stories of people getting benefit stopped is it worth me trying for ESA again as i was messed about before and lost out on money which i just cant afford to do. Partly their fault as my ESA form never got here and whilst in between job seekers and ESA i had a dentist appointment. I ticked ESA as it was going through but endeded up with a fine.

 

Had i known id of just cancelled the dentist for a few days I also now suffer with a bit of depression ( didn't go out socially for 3+ yrs) and anxiety which i struggle to explain but having the pressure of being made to search for work when you wouldn't employ yourself as i once looked in the mirror and see a vibrant out going confident young man and now i'm just drained. Pain/ meds drain me.

 

Any help/advice much appreciated.

Edited April 19, 2016 by honeybee13
Paras.

[bcham]

im on jsa, i suffer from leg pain from an old injury,where as my legs were reconstructed with plates and pins. after a motor cycle accident, im nearly 60 yrs old now and the pain is bad when standing or walking for more than 10 minutes. but the new rules for claiming on sick are that strict i know i will fail the assessment,

so i just carry on applying for jobs that i know i wont get.

[TW25]

im on jsa, i suffer from leg pain from an old injury,where as my legs were reconstructed with plates and pins. after a motor cycle accident, im nearly 60 yrs old now and the pain is bad when standing or walking for more than 10 minutes. but the new rules for claiming on sick are that strict i know i will fail the assessment,

so i just carry on applying for jobs that i know i wont get.

 

Pretty much what im having to do but even the looking for jobs hurts and drags me down. Alot of anger this end being pushed from piller to post and the fact my RSI was brought on by having to job search lying on my belly. The irony of it all is my new meds for my RSI do help my leg and back. Why the docs never tried me on them in the past i dont no as ive tried getting to the bottom of things, 2 x pain clinics 3 or 4 chronic pain specialists plus back and fourth to my GP. They seem to think you just get on with it but i'm yet to find a job that includes pacing yourself in the job description. Soon to be 35 i will end up being on JSA for many years at this rate.

[Guest Miss Anxious]

If you have the support of your doctor, I would get him to sign you off for as long as possible. Fill out your ESA50 according to the guidelines on this site, remembering it is not your diagnosis that they are interested in, it's how it affects your daily life.!

 

The help on this site is amazing. Keep a copy of your whole form, give as much detail as possible, send hospital reports and possibly a supporting letter from your doctor.

 

Once all filled in and everything photocopied (as these things sometimes get lost in the post!), post them off special delivery, some of the postage is covered as they give you an envelope to use, I paid roughly under £2 for my postage, and I sent loads of info, also proof of posting, track it as well so you know they have received it.

 

You should then start getting money, until they decide whether to bring you in for a face to face assessment.

 

If you get that far.....get back on here for the next step......

 

I am no expert, just someone going through the hoops like many on here!!!

 

Hope this helps.

 

Miss Anxious

[jason2723637]

my take on it how you described your symptoms you must be on ESA as you have limited capability for work you have both pain issues and depression also in mean time can go on EPS (Extended Period of Sickness) for JSA upto 13 weeks as a stop gap till you go on ESA as another option - you have to be already on JSA then get sick notes....to qualify for EPS

[SabreSheep]

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/how-we-can-help/benefits-information/employment-and-support-allowance-esa-resources-page

 

Is a helpful link with lots of info as well.

 

ALSO

 

Keep a diary from this day on. Record everything in there that impacts on your daily living. This is a useful self made reference for you and evidence, when completing forms and assessments.

 

EG

 

"Was in so much pain was unable to get out of bed till 14:00. Missed Breakfast"

 

"Had to ask a friend to go to the shop to buy food as I could not make it there due to pain"

 

"Unable to shower, left leg weak and unable to stand"

[TW25]

Thanks for the help. My leg and back pain i am managing at home since my meds changed. Last summer i had to do the mandatory work experience in a charity shop that was 16hrs a week and twice i nearly had to pack it in and get to the doctors. Simple things that those who dont have chronic pain will not understand. I was sitting on a kitchen table chair and it ruined me so i dug out a spare office chair that was much more comfortable to sit on only for a volunteer to take a shine to it and take it home. Found myself having extra painkillers and a few stomach cramps to boot. The RSI is the big problem as it is from both shoulders down to my hands. If im on the computer for more than 10 min im getting bad sharp pains. Just doing nothing i have a dull ache in my arm/ muscle so it's probably now chronic and ill have to manage it. Getting me down job searching which soon puts me in the wrong frame of mind. Been on and off with the Anti depresents but took myself off them as i do have alot of pills ( rattle when i walk) .

The DEA has always been a waste of time on the handful of times ive seen her. She suggested Voice software but how i'm meant to afford it or be trained on it was all down to me. My laptop has basic voice recognition but it's hopeless. Am in talks with others about how to get the help needed other than going on ESA. They no how all this works and even they think ESA maybe the only way.

[TW25]

A link ill post if i can in my next post as cant yet but i find it interesting and ask those on here why have the job centre not offered me help via accsess to work so i can job search without making my RSI worse. I feel let down by my doctor who seems to think pain killers will cure everything. RSI is propper deabilitating and is dragging me down. Also the job centre who could of helped as ive been telling them my RSI is bad and all i got from the DEA was use voice software no training or help paying for it. Put myself back on my anti depresents. Whats worse is i'm having to trawl the internet to find the help when i have a blooming work coach who should help. Fuming this end. Surely i'm right to feel let dow by those ive turned to

[TW25]

http://www.citizensadviceipswich.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/3D-Project-Ips-CAB-and-ISCRE-TDE.pdf the link as mentioned in my previous posts suggests i should have been offered help using a computer.

[TW25]

Physio went well yesterday hopefully its my rotator cuff muscle or summat in my shoulder. Still riddled with RSI but hoping i can see this physio about that also as she was actually listening to what i was saying.

Job centre get my back up as ive had to tell my advisor about reasonable ajustments etc. Why she was not helping me b4 ill never no as i'm on my knees and 5 min on here and pain starts kicking in. My grief is had she applied the reasonable ajustments b4 id not be left with chronic RSI. It took me to mention it and i only found out about it by searching the net and contacting a charity as i never knew where to turn next. She knew how much pain job searching lying on my front was yet did nothing when she has the power/knowledge to do so. They employ clueless folk. Any way if anyone knows of a job going where they are looking for a grumpy depressed constantly tired, full of chronic leg back and arm pain you no where i am

[Chester6]

I wouldn't count on the work coaches as they are there to do their job and treated you abysmally too often and there's extremely rare exceptions eg the ones on this site whose name I forget

It's a lot better to go on forums like this for help and advice. Good luck

[TW25]

I wouldn't count on the work coaches as they are there to do their job and treated you abysmally too often and there's extremely rare exceptions eg the ones on this site whose name I forget

It's a lot better to go on forums like this for help and advice. Good luck

 

Thanks for the support means alot. New meds seem to finally be kicking in after near on a week. Now on Diclofenic ,co codomol, anti dipresents + when really bad sneak in the odd Menafenic acid which i no i prob should'nt but needs must. Back to the docs friday for blood test results and see where else we can go.

Work coach was hopeless to say the least. Instead of offering help on doing a computer job search the reasonable ajustment was that i was expected to ring all the agencies in the yellow pages which would of killed my hands / fingers tapping the numbers to ring + send off spec letters for jobs. ( money must grow on trees with the price of stamps + ink for printing cv's ). Luckily understanding family have helped on the computer with my job search. In short i wouldnt employ myself so why id expect someone else to take me on ill never no. Not work shy as i was a ex farm boy/forklift driver on building sites. Just realistic. I no i ramble on here but it does help get things off my chest

[TW25]

Signed off by the doc for a month depression and hand pain. JCP have put me on EPS extended period of sickness. Doc continues to play about with my meds. Me id rather have a scan and find out if def RSI as getting shoulder and neck pain. Sometimes it makes me doubt myself and as others manage to carry on there daily lives but i simply cant. A RSI charity has said he would help me fill in a ESA form and reading various things im not sure id score the 15pts so is it worth the hassle ? I also have leg and back pain which is playing up as meds are being meddled with. Could i sit or stand at a work station for a period of time ( sometimes yes sometimes no as i get sharp pains down my leg and i tend to lay on the floor. Frustrated to say the least hense being on here again.

[Chester6]

Diagnosis takes time and you'll need to keep going until they see things your way - sadly that's based on experience.

ESA may be better and you could accept the charities help with the form and based on the news the assessment is wrong as you could be in all sorts of pain etc and still get rejected

Keep your head up

[micky2phones]

Diagnosis takes time and you'll need to keep going until they see things your way - sadly that's based on experience.

ESA may be better and you could accept the charities help with the form and based on the news the assessment is wrong as you could be in all sorts of pain etc and still get rejected

Keep your head up

 

Hi, i really argree with every thing you have said about diagosis , it took me nearly 2 years to be told i have no cartridges in my knees.

 

Its started with just rested for a week or so, then cream, then physio, acupuncture, tramadol, more pills, pain clinic until a consultant examined me sent me down for a x-ray and theres your trouble

[TW25]

Got a appointment through to see the DEA for 4 weeks time. Cant wait for that as ive found her in short hopeless in the past. Making comments such as having similar with the chronic pain yet she just adapts. If only it was so easy. Plus the dragon software she advised but no help with paying for. Am in to minds if to make a complaint about my work coach and the DEA as my RSI would never have got as bad as it is had they used the reasonable ajustment rule or simply put help me when i said how much i was struggling.

Anyway just wondered if others who have made complaints has it helped or did it make things worse as i certainly dont want them on my back as to be fair my normal advisor is pretty good apart from the lack of support for the RSI. On the flip side id not like for someone to end up like me and riddled with RSI. A bit of good news though the physio was right about the rotator cuff muscles and doing the exercises it continues to improve.

[TW25]

So i see the DEA ( disability employment advisor) wednesday and no doubt will look to try and change my agreement. Anyone no what the minimum requirement is for job searching. Using the lap top repeatedly will no doubt flare up my hands/ arm with RSI. I live in a village a good 15 mile from town so traveling to towns handing out Cv's etc im not so keen on either as will eat into my budget. Been signed off by the doc for another 2 months so will need to make a decision regarding ESA which i very much doubt id get anyway. Any advice/help is much appreciated.

[micky2phones]

So i see the DEA ( disability employment advisor) wednesday and no doubt will look to try and change my agreement. Anyone no what the minimum requirement is for job searching. Using the lap top repeatedly will no doubt flare up my hands/ arm with RSI. I live in a village a good 15 mile from town so traveling to towns handing out Cv's etc im not so keen on either as will eat into my budget. Been signed off by the doc for another 2 months so will need to make a decision regarding ESA which i very much doubt id get anyway. Any advice/help is much appreciated.

 

Hi, if your argreement is changed then make sure it changed to help you and not so its harded for you.

As for the job searching iv been told its tailored to each client, in your case IMO your DEA should also take in account you illness/disability with mine i saw her every month to start with and 30/40 minute appointment spent up dating my health details .

Then spoke about training, courses etc , then volunteering

[TW25]

Thanks for the reply Micky[/b ] So as expected seeing the DEA was pointless. She was running over 30 min late and i was fuming. Partly their fault for being in a meeting and partly not as computers were on a go slow. Bring back pen and paper i say. Any how in short she suggested i try for PIP. Not sure what she had been smoking as surely i have no chance of getting PIP ?. I have pretty bad RSI and struggle using computers on a regular basis. Think she only suggested PIP as after being suggested to buy software i said how am i expected to pay. See on here PIP is 16+ pg long so they will want to no the ins and outs of everything.

I see the DEA in 2 weeks time as the appointment was a bit of a shambles. In short is it worth trying for PIP as i just dont think id qualify i just was a new job search agreement that means im not job searching on the computers all the time.

[Nystagmite]

Have you had a look at the criteria for PIP? it's based on the care and /or mobility needs you have and not the diagnosis you have. Your needs must have lasted for at least 3 months anf expected to last another 9.

[TW25]

Looked on here about the criteria for pip. I dont see how i would qualify. I struggle on computers. Soon as i start i get sharp pains and it the effects day to day stuff. I see the DEA again next week as the last meeting was a shambles so will see what comes of that.

[TW25]

See the DEA yesterday. Shambles of a place. My appointmet got changed the day b4 by phone i turn up at the new agreed time and the DEA is still a good 30-45 min late. In the end ive decided agsinst PIP id feel a fraud. I recently changed to Tumeric capsules basically a natural anti inflam. Any how i think they are helping as ive cut down on my meds. Maybe the warmer weather is helping as well as it usually does.

We had a little chat bout whats been going on and what i want to do in the future. After that she tries to book me in for another appointment and i kid you not my advisor and the DEA are both booked up so i have to do a employability coarse in 2 weeks so i can get signed.

Cant wait .

[TW25]

Still jumping through hoops to get JSA even though i no ill not get a propper job. The car/bus journey to job centre puts me in a foul mood as even sitting for that period i get horrible pains in my thigh that tend to last 3+ days. Reffered pain due to degenarative disc im guessing. Rsi still bad. Typing here using pens to tap the keys.

My advisor who is usually good was off with me the other day and having chronic pain you feel like crap enough and a faliure so didnt need her banging on how ive basically got the whole world in my hands. who she kidding id not employ me so how im expected to sell myself. Really frustrating when my advisor said about her shoulder pain thats killing yet she gets round it. If i could over ride my pain signals i would and in the past i have as i worked for 4 yrs with chronic back pain and changed jobs to try keep going. See my doc who said keep going until its to much. Did that and its the worse thing i ever did as never been right since. So frustrated as pain management programmes help get you going again but its not real life. Chronic pain is like a bully you can never escape and feels like a fight you cant win. I except it but i just wish the advisors understood what seems like nothing is a major hurdle for me and if i start a flair up its game over and back on the anti depresents. Also if they could show me a job that needs someone who can pace themselves im there man.

At home if i need to rest i can rest at work they want you to be reliable hard working everything that chronic pain takes away from you.

Pretty peed off so was either write a little on here or ring samarratans and they are busy enough.

[Lapsed Workaholic]

I feel sure that contributors to CAG will be delighted to learn that posting on here is the next best thing to calling the Samaritans or contemplating suicide and will be grateful for the complement.

 

I have read a brief introduction and description of RSI on NHS Choices. I have attached some of that in this post to save you any difficulty that may arise in searching for it. More can be viewed at:

 

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/repetitive-strain-injury/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Contrary to the impression you give in Post # 7 it is not that difficult to understand and appreciate what you are going through.

 

Reading back over your thread it would appear that you have either rubbished or ignored a lot of the advice given to you from whatever quarter. You appear to make your mind up that you will fail or lose before you even start or try anything. If you can't convince or persuade yourself, how do you expect to convince or persuade others, especially those whose every working hour is devoted to depriving you of your entitlements. You would do well to take losing this negativity as your first step.

 

The next thing is to get all the information you can about your condition, doctor's diagnosis, qualified descriptions of both the physical and mental effects and the treatment and medication that you have, and are still, undergoing, further treatments and/or medication you may require, and the effect of such treatments and medications as well as the effects of the delays in receiving them.

 

If you haven't done so already you should ask for and insist on seeing advisers at JCP with sufficient training, knowledge, understanding and appreciation of such medical condition as you suffer from.

 

You could insist, if you haven't done so already, on getting your Jobseeker's Agreement/Claimant Commitment altered to suit your specific circumstance. It should reflect what you can realistically be expected to do, not what an adviser dictates that you should do.

 

As for claiming E&SA or PIP, you should approach answering the question from the point of view that your condition is constant, not 'sometimes yes sometimes no', as you say in Post # 13.

 

Plenty there to reflect on and hopefully persuade you to adopt a positive approach.

 

 

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

 

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse.

 

It's also known as work-related upper limb disorder, or non-specific upper limb pain.

The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, such as the:

 

 

• forearms and elbows
  
• wrists and hands
  
• neck and shoulders
  

Symptoms of RSI

The symptoms of RSI can range from mild to severe and usually develop gradually. They often include:

 

• pain, aching or tenderness
  
• stiffness
  
• throbbing
  
• tingling or numbness
  
• weakness
  
• cramp
  

At first, you might only notice symptoms when you're carrying out a particular repetitive action.

 

But without treatment, the symptoms of RSI may eventually become constant and cause longer periods of pain. You may also get swelling in the affected area, which can last for several months.

 

What to do if you think you have RSI

If you develop symptoms of RSI and think it may be related to your job, speak to your employer or occupational health representative.

 

It may be possible to modify your tasks to improve your symptoms.

 

See your GP if symptoms continue, despite attempts to change how you work.

 

What causes RSI?

RSI is related to the overuse of muscles and tendons in the upper body.

Certain things are thought to increase the risk of RSI, including:

 

 

• repetitive activities
  
• doing a high-intensity activity for a long time without rest
  
• poor posture or activities that require you to work in an awkward position
  

Cold temperatures and vibrating equipment are also thought to increase the risk of getting RSI and can make the symptoms worse. Stress can also be a contributing factor.

 

A variety of jobs can lead to RSI, such as working at an assembly line, at a supermarket checkout or typing at a computer.

 

It's important to work in a comfortable environment which has been appropriately adjusted. Your employer has a legal duty to try to prevent work-related RSI and ensure anyone who already has the condition doesn't get any worse.

 

How RSI is treated

The first step in treating RSI is usually to identify and modify the task or activity that is causing the symptoms. If necessary, you may need to stop doing the activity altogether.

To relieve symptoms, your GP may advise taking a course of anti-inflammatory painkillers (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), or using a heat or cold pack, elastic support or splint.

 

You may also be referred to a physiotherapist for advice on posture and how to strengthen or relax your muscles. Some people find that other types of therapy help to relieve symptoms, including massage, yoga and osteopathy.

 

How to prevent RSI

Most employers carry out a risk assessment when you join a company to check that your work area is suitable and comfortable for you. You can request an assessment if you haven't had one.

 

There are also things you can do to help reduce your risk of RSI, such as:

 

 

• maintaining good posture at work – see how to sit at a desk correctly
  
• taking regular breaks from long or repetitive tasks – it's better to take smaller, more frequent breaks than one long lunch break
  
• trying relaxation techniques if you're stressed
  

If you work at a computer all day, make sure your seat, keyboard, mouse and screen are positioned so they cause the least amount of strain.

 

Tips on Preventing RSI

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can be caused by a variety of tasks at work, such as forceful or repetitive activity, or by poor posture.

 

The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, such as the forearm, elbow, wrist, hands, shoulders and neck.

 

RSI is usually associated with doing a particular activity repeatedly or for a long period of time.

Find out more about the symptoms and the treatment of RSI.

 

How to prevent RSI

These practical tips can help reduce your risk of developing RSI and other related disorders that can arise from working with computers.

 

Making sure your desk equipment is properly set up and adjusted to your specifications is the first step in preventing RSI.

 

Get advice on how to sit correctly to make sure you're sitting in the right position and your desk is set up the right way.

 

The standard keyboard and mouse are adjustable devices with settings that you can change in the same way you might adjust your office chair.

 

Various types of non-standard keyboards are available. They may improve the positioning of your hands.

 

Some people find the standard mouse uncomfortable as it involves twisting the wrist. Alternative mice and other pointing devices are worth investigating.

 

You could also consider speech recognition software, which allows you to control your phone or a computer application by using your voice.

 

Ask your workplace about getting a workstation assessment.

 

Your mouse

 

• Changing the settings to slow your mouse down can greatly reduce muscle tension in your hand.
  
• Use keyboard shortcuts instead of the mouse to navigate and execute commands.
  
• The mouse keys feature allows you to use the arrow keys on your keyboard's number pad to move the pointer around the screen.
  
• Download mouse tool free software. It takes away the need to click on the mouse, which many people find painful. You may need to get permission from your employer to download the software.
  

Your keyboard

 

• You can adjust the keyboard's key repeat rate to avoid mistakes that you then have to go back and correct.
  
• Use Sticky Keys, a Windows function that allows you to press one key at a time to write capital letters and other multi-key commands to avoid having to hold a modifier key down, such as Shift, Ctrl or Alt while pressing another key.
  
• Predictive text and autocorrect features guess what you want to type and save you unnecessary keystrokes.
  

Take regular breaks

Don't sit in the same position for long periods. Short, regular breaks can help prevent RSI and other upper limb disorders

.

It lets the muscles relax while others take the strain. This can prevent you becoming stiff and tense.

 

Most jobs provide opportunities to take a break from the screen, such as photocopying or printing. Try to make use of them.

 

If there are no such natural breaks in your job, your employer should plan for you to have rest breaks.

[TW25]

Big flair up so not put anything on here for ages. Walking sisters dogs really set my arms off and to make things worse slipped over on the ice a few week back on my shoulder. Been to doc and he aint convinced its RSI in arms but said could be Tennis elbow in 1 to go along with RSI in both hands. Im 99% sure i have RSI going on in both arms so will be pushing for a diagnosis and treatment in next few weeks as got to have bloods taken tuesday as been quite rough prob a really bad cold along with depression and chronic pain the last few weeks/ months have been a battle. Doing my rotator cuff muscle exercises to see if that helps. Not totally given up claiming ESA but after reading on the forum how tough a ride it is.

Appreciate the reply Lapsed workaholic and some very valid points to consider such as the advice when form filling as if the pain is constant and not sometimes yes sometimes no. Plus all the RSI info. My biggest gripe is had the job centre made reasonable ajustments to my job search id not be in such a mess. Still i plod on the JSA merry go round with to be fair quite a good advisor. Maybe one reason i dont rock the boat trying for ESA at present even though i no that no one will employ me.