Is ESA assessment like PIP?

Overwhelmed1

hi I’ve just had a letter telling me I have a telephone assessment following receipt of my capability for work questionnaire and have a couple of questions I’d welcome any info on. I’ve been off work sick since I had surgery 10 months ago and now have a long term disability so I’m worried I will be put into the work group when I’m not able to work at the moment

1. I wondered if the content is similar to PIP? Welcome any advice on what info they are looking for and how you’re assessed about which group you go in
   
2. I got a letter from my Consultant for my PIP application telling them about my diagnosis and what I could and could not do, can I use the same letter for ESA or should I get another one?

Many thanks for any advice or experience shares.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Overwhelmed1, it's a little like the PIP assessment in that they are assessing your health using a points system, but this one focuses a bit more on your ability to work based off whether you can manage certain activities.

In the call they will have a look at your questionnaire and ask a few more questions to understand how your condition affects you. Similar to PIP, you just need to explain things with as much detail as you can and give examples if you have them. If you can keep some notes with you about how your condition affects you day to day that can be helpful.

There's some information about it on the Scope website if you'd like to have a read through:

Work Capability Assessment for ESA or Universal Credit | Disability charity Scope UK

And another useful guide on Citizens Advice about preparing for the assessment:

Preparing for your ESA medical assessment - Citizens Advice

Does your consultant's letter mention that it is for your PIP claim? It might be useful as evidence but if you're already at the stage where you're having a telephone assessment they may not need it to make a decision.

I'm sure our members will have some advice to share too so I hope they'll be along soon ☺️