ESA50 answers digitally

Liz93

Hey everyone!

I've received my ESA50 form, and it baffles me that we live in 2023 but have to hand write answers to these questions. Most of my answers will be 'it varies', because I have CFS, so will have to write an explanation. Can I type the explanations and then print and staple it to the form? I think it'll cost me a lot of energy to 'practice' the answer (type and edit it to make sure I say the right thing) and then hand write it all on the form.

poppy123456

The ESA50 form is available online for you to fill in by actually typing onto the form. You will then need to save it and print it. You do not need to use the form they sent you. Here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/capability-for-work-questionnaire

If there's not enough of space to type everything you can type it onto separate pieces of paper and attach it to your form.

Is this your first work capability assessment?

Liz93

Oh wow, I didn't know that! Now that I've read the front of the booklet again, I can see it... Just goes to show, doesn't it  

Yes, this is my first assessment. I'm still battling DWP, because they wrote and said they couldn't pay me due to me not making enough contributions. I did, though... just HMRC messing up and not recording it in the system properly. I love being on hold for 1.5 hours for a conversation that lasts less than a minute!

L_Volunteer

It sounds really difficult to navigate @Liz93, especially as this is your first assessment. How are things going for you at the moment - have you been able to have this conversation yet? Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything else we can do to support you 

MarieBarl

I wish I had seen this before. I really struggled with the handwritten form and really did not have enough space for everything. 

I will know to check here in future before I commit to paper.

Liz93

Well, I got my letter for my work capability assessment. 12 June (so at least no long waiting time!) I need to be available between 9 and 12 for a phone call… bit annoying they can’t just give me an appointment time. 

poppy123456

Liz93 said:

 bit annoying they can’t just give me an appointment time. 

With all the assessments they have to do then it wouldn't be possible to give you an exact time because some assessments may go on for longer than they think. Even with a timescale like this they may even ring outside of the timescale given.

Thankfully, it's a phone assessment so you can wait at home. I've known myself wait in a waiting room for as long as 90 minutes for a work capability assessment.