Reappling for ESA

I was on the ESA work related activity group until the 28th Feb2014 when I received 0 points following my Work Capacity Assessment Interview. Although I was upset and considered challenging the decision I decided to use this outcome as a route back to employment.
Unfortunately I had very recently to deal with death of my father and the ending of my relationship was triggered off another severe depressive episode including for the first time panic attacks!

My wonderfully supportive GP provide me with an initially a sick note for 3 months and prescribed me with beta blockers on top of the SSRI which I`m also prescribed.
I therefore applied for ESA from the 6th August 2014t only to be informed that I didn’t qualify as I have been declared fit for work from the 28th Feb 2014. I believe there is a 6 month rule preventing claimant reapplying before then? So this means having very little money to buy food and my rent will fall into arrears as I was getting housing benefit. This situation is really compounding my low mood and increasing my feelings of panic and anxiety. All I want to do it sleep and avoid my ever increasing problems............
I am due to see my GP on Wed where I was considering asking for a referral to a mental specialist as my depressing and anxiety reoccurs. This is the 3 mayor episode I’ve experienced in the past 5 years.

Please can anyone offer me advice as to how resolve my benefit problems?

Sorry for the incoherent style of my letter but it’s so hard to think straight and it took me days to find the energy and motivation to write the letter.


Thanks

David

Hi David,

I believe that the situation is actually that you can reclaim ESA within 6 months of a 'fit for work' decision but would not receive payment until the 6 months has passed unless you have developed a new condition meanwhile. I don't know whether your panic attacks could be considered a 'new' condition, perhaps one of the other mods will comment on this.

Hi bb,

6 months or more must have elapsed to receive payment from a fresh ESA claim.

However, if you can show through medical evidence that there has been a change or deterioration in your condition, or that you now suffer from different medical condition/s, ESA payments can be made as the result of a fresh claim before the 6 months has elapsed.

bro58