Universal Credit and ESA need to be more joined-up, this will save the government money and save mental health sufferers’ stress by making them attend more health assessments.

In September 2018 I applied for Universal Credit because I was told by the Jobcentre that I would have housing benefit paid and that I would be able to get help with my housing.

I was already on ESA and in the support group since 2015 due to mental illness and a physical back injury that left me almost paralyzed due to a police assault.

When my parents sold the family home back in March 2018 I was facing being homeless and with not being well enough to work, I couldn’t rent privately as I needed evidence of my income.

I panicked and applied for Universal Credit under the impression I would also be receiving housing benefit. I still continue to receive ESA but at a reduced rate due to receiving £170 a month for Universal Credit.

In March, this year I had to fill out another Health Assessment form for ESA and I had to attend an assessment back in the summer.

It was the first one I have been asked to attend in the 4-years I have been receiving the benefit.

when I arrived I had to go to reception and show my ID and my petrol, bridge crossing receipt and my bank account number so I could claim my money back.

I asked my Dad to take me because I didn’t want to go to a strange place on my own.

I live in Cornwall but was asked to attend the appointment in Devon, which also meant I had to cross the Tamar bridge to get to the centre.

We had to wait in a room, with a few people waiting.

We had to wait a while because there was a delay but once in the room, I had a lady assessor who spoke to me about my illness and how it affects me.

I was in the room for around an hour before she asked me to do exercises such as bending down.

I told her this was too painful because of my back pain and she said she would end the assessment as she knew I felt uncomfortable.

Six weeks later, I received a letter from ESA to say that there was no change to my benefit and that I would be staying in the support group which meant I was still unable to work.

If you haven’t received an ESA decision within 8 weeks I would contact them.

Back in October, I received another health assessment form, but this time it was for Universal Credit. I filled in the form accordingly and sent it back on time.

Today, the weekend before Christmas I received another letter asking me to attend the same assessment in the same assessment centre in Devon.

I rang the number and asked why this was and they said that Universal Credit and ESA are different and that they just make the appointments.

If Universal Credit and ESA were more joined-up, they would be able to book appointments that are more spread out.

I can understand once a year but two in one year? Although they are two different benefits I’m claiming these due to the same illnesses.

Fewer appointments would be less costly and stressful for those having to attend them.

Has anyone else had to attend two or more Universal Credit and ESA health assessments in one year?