Received ESA50 advice please

sunshine1981

I've received the ESA50 form, any advice for completing it would be helpful please. Is it like the PIP form. 

calcotti

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/if-youre-sick-or-disabled/start-the-work-capability-form-for-universal-credit/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/if-youre-sick-or-disabled/fill-in-the-work-capability-form-how-your-conditions-affect-you/

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/if-youre-sick-or-disabled/finish-and-send-the-work-capability-form-for-universal-credit/

sunshine1981

I have gone through the form and made notes for each section. On the first question about your illness, disability and how they affect you. I would be mostly repeating myself in the questions further on. Would you still advice me to write how all 3 conditions affect me in this section? Do I include examples of situations wherever I can? Also I don't have upto date letters as I just don't get them everytime I'm seen by someone, should I include anything I have even if it's old? 

poppy123456

You need to explain all your conditions and answer all questions if they apply to you. It doesn't matter how old medical evidence is because it should still be accepted.

Yes, include a couple of real world examples.

sunshine1981

Thank you 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Broreb1981

If you do need any further help, Scope's Helpline are there as well  

sunshine1981

I'm getting myself really worked up by this form. I'm scared I'm going to miss something important out or that as soon as they see my name without even looking at the answers they will say no. I know that won't happen they look at everything but my mind is telling me this. I really dont deal with stress very well it triggers my bipolar and I go over and over things all day, I do so much research its exhausting, I don't eat or drink then I crash into depression. I'm even starting to think a bird that keeps landing on my lounge windowsill has been sent by the government to spy on me. I'm only getting my thoughts out, it helps for a couple hours then it starts all over again. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Broreb1981

Please don't get yourself worked up. We are here to help Have you tried ringing the helpline?

You always have us to chat with, Coffee Lounge is a great place to distract yourself by playing games and getting in the debates. If you feel you need or want to speak to someone, SHOUT are a brilliant 24/7 mental health texting service. 

sunshine1981

ESA today said they have written to my GP with regards to the ESA50 form. Is that normal? Will I still have the opportunity for an assessment or can they decide what group I'm in from the GP reply. I feel I should be in the support group but what if the GP doesn't support that

poppy123456

They will have sent your GP a form to fill in which is known as ESA113 form and you can see that here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esa113-interactive-for-use-by-healthcare-practitioners
They won’t ask your GP which group they think you should be placed into. 

Most people have assessments so you’ll still have the opportunity to explain further, if needed. Though the time to explain everything should have been when you filled out the form. 

sunshine1981

I did explain as best I could but I still feel its better face to face if possible

L_Volunteer

I hear you @Broreb1981. Although well done to you for doing the best you could, that's all anyone could ask from you, are there more opportunities for face-to-face moving forwards? 

sunshine1981

Could anyone tell me if they can make a decision what group your in without seeing you and if so what would the letter say telling you that they've made a decision. I have received a strange letter saying I can get £84.80 a week and that Ive already had 1 payment of £169.50. I can get this until feb 2024. I've looked on the Internet and this doesn't look like a decision letter as it doesn't mention how many points I got etc. Do I need to call them tomorrow to find out, will a decision letter be clear that it's a decision letter? 

poppy123456

The letter you’ve received is a normal decision letter for your ESA claim and not the work capability assessment decision letter. New style ESA is £84.80 and is only paid for 1 year unless placed into the support group. 

Most people have assessments, which are mostly through telephone. Once a decision is made on your assessment if placed into the Support Group your money will increase to £129.50/week from the 14th week of your claim.

One thing to also bear in mind is the decision letters for the work capability assessment are always very basic. If successfully placed into a group it will tell you which group but it won’t give the reason why. Support Group isn’t about scoring points anyway. 

sunshine1981

Is there any point in call to see how far on my WCA assessment is? 

poppy123456

Broreb1981 said:

Is there any point in call to see how far on my WCA assessment is? 

There’s no harm in ringing them but you’ll need to ring the Health Assessment Advisory Service and not ESA. https://chdauk.co.uk/about-us/contact-us/

sunshine1981

I've just called and they said they had enough evidence to make a decision without an assessment, they sent the decision back on 17th may and I'm to call the esa line.... I'm currently on hold oh, gosh I'm so nervous 

poppy123456

I hope by now you've been able to get through but it can take anything up to 12 weeks for a decision. Please also be aware that the assessors don't make decisions, they make recommendations only. A report will have been written with a recommendation only. Only a decision maker from DWP can make the decision.

sunshine1981

The report is being processed I've been told.... Surely they can't make a decision without a face to face, that seems unfair unless I'm put straight into the support group

poppy123456

If the report is being processed that suggests it may not have been returned yet. The rules used to be that you can't be found fit for work without a face to face assessment but i don't think that applies anymore.

Paper based are rare but they do happen.

sunshine1981

I've just called the ESA line and my payment has now changed to £259. I was waiting for the decision as it had been made without the need for an assessment. I am assuming this means I've been put into the support group, if so I'm so relieved, it only took 2 months from returning my form.