ESA Medical Form

Thanks Denise I will keep you posted

Hi Denise just got of the phone from the DWP they have my form and it was uploaded onto their system on Wednesday 13th same day as it stated on the letter that it should be in by. I have been in the support group with extra premiums for server disability also getting mobility high rate and living component standard for 4 years review in 3. Would I have to go for another assessment for my ESA or would they do a paper base dession how long would I have to wait till I hear from them?

Hi,

I would say to expect another assessment for the ESA yes. Your PIP award has nothing to do with the ESA as they are totally different benefits.

Did you send in evidence with the form to support your claim? They very rarely contact anyone for evidence. The more relevant evidence you send the better. Each ESA review is classed as a new claim and they don't look at any evidence you sent previously. You'll continue to be paid your ESA until a decision is made and you can't be found fit for work without an assessment, whether it's a paper based one or a face to face.

Waiting times, totally depend on backlog in your area. I have no idea how long you could be waiting. I waited 5 months with my last review and i had a paper based assessment.

Good luck.

Hi Denise yes I sent all relevant evidence letter from my doctor MRI scan reports and hospital letters. Thank you for your help and advice I will just sit tight and wait

That's good. No problem. Hopefully it won't be too long but don't be surprised if it's a few months or more.

Hi Denise had my f2f assessment 2 day gor mt ESA the lady only asked me one question and then said she now has everything she needs and that she will give me a good report I was only in there for 15 minutes said I should hear between 4-6 weeks but might be longer. Do you think 15 minutes is enough time to assess me I am little concerned that I wasn't in there long enough

Hi, 

The length of time doesn’t really mean anything. Assessments vary in length depending on the questions they ask.  No one can really tell you if it’s a good or bad thing.

You can ask for a copy of the assessment report, this will give you an idea what the decision will be.

Decision times vary too depending on backlog in your area. Hopefully not too long. Good luck. 

Thanks Denise how long should I wait before asking for a copy of my report?

Good Morning Denise I'm not sure if you got my last message but how long should I wait before asking for a copy of the assessment report report? Thank you

Hi,

You can ring anytime but they won’t send a copy to you until they’ve received both copies back, if you live in the UK. If you live in N. Ireland they won’t send a copy to you until after the decision is made.

Hi Denise I live in London how long do you think it would take before they get the 2 copies how will I know when they would have received it? Sorry for going on I'm just glad that I have you for advise

Sharon, no one can answer those questions I’m sorry. You’re just going to have to ring DWP and ask for the report to be sent to you. 

Thanks Denise for all your advise much appreciate

Hi Denise it's been 3 weeks since I had my f2f assessment for renewal of ESA would it go against me if I called the DWP on Monday and ask for a copy of the report? Thanks for your valuable advise

Hi Sharon,

I already advised you to ring to ask for a copy to be sent to you, so it won't go against you. I wouldn't have advised you to ask for it if it went against you. Remember there's no timescales for decisions and with it being holiday time too, you maybe waiting slightly longer than any other time of the year.

Sorry Denise I forgot that you did advise me thank you and sorry to have bothered you.

No worries. Ring ESA Monday they open at 8 am.

Hi Denise I have received a copy of my ESA report and I don't understand it and I'm hoping you will be able to explain it to me.

Under the following headings and then to the far right states:

Medical Conditions - 1

Conditions Medically Identified - 2

Medication - 2

Side effects Due to medication- 3

Descriptions of functional ability - 4

(Condition of history)

Description of the functional ability - 4

Overall evidence shows that severe disability the available evidence suggest review in the medium term.

Medical Examinations Findings

General - 30

Lower Limb - 31

Upper Limb - 32

Cardiac, Respiratory, Vascular - 33

Vision,So each,Hearing - 34

Consciousness - 35

Continence - 36

Mental State - 37

Observed Behaviour - 38

I hope you understand all of this and are able to advise me thank you

Hi,

All that tells me is that evidence suggest review in the medium term. Does it say anything about any recommendations, such as LCW (WRAG)  or LCWRA (Support Group) or the worst of all being fit for work?

Somewhere in that report is should state a recommendation. All those numbers are just their scores for the assessment and nothing else.

Hi Denise it states client was found to meet the criteria of Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activity. Does this help you?

Sorry I forgot to ask what does review in the medium term?

Limited capability for work related activity (LCWRA) is support group. Medium term i would say is 2 years before your next review. It's very rare for them to go against the report so fingers crossed Sharon!! Let me know please when you do have the decision...hopefully not long now.

Thanks so much Denise will definitely let you know when I get the decision.

Hi Denise just called DWP regarding my ESA said that I'm still in the support group review in 18 months income related would that mean if I had any savings (not that I have a lot) would it effect any of my payment from them. So glad I haven't got to worry for the time now

Great news Sharon. Yes any savings over £6,000 will affect income related £1 for every £250 over that amount. £16,000 and all your ESA will stop. The same rules apply to any housing benefit and council tax reduction you claim.

Thanks Denise no I don't have that kind of money. Good luck with your assessment and thank you for all your advise over the pass couple of months your advise has very much been valuable and appreciated