ESA Assessment

Linda1960 · July 2018

I have an ESA assessment soon, the doctor wrote saying I couldn't travel that far, they've turned me down for home visit, what do I do.

thara · July 2018

Can you appeal the decision?

I asked for a home assessment for my mom stating that she has a wheelchair and we cannot travel to Chertsey on the train either. I filled out the form and I told my mom to include all the evidence with the paperwork that came in the mail.

My mom has still not been asked to attend a assessment yet. Good luck!!

Linda1960 · July 2018

Hi I haven't had any forms, just letters with appointments, thank you though.

Chloe_Scope · August 2018

Hi @Linda1960, welcome to the community! You should be able to ring up and explain your situation. I hope you can get a home visit sorted!!

poppy123456 · August 2018

Linda1960 said:

I have an ESA assessment soon, the doctor wrote saying I couldn't travel that far, they've turned me down for home visit, what do I do.

Hi,

A letter from your GP stating you're unable to travel far isn't the best letter, as you know they've turned you down for the home assessment. What you should have got is a letter from your GP stating the reasons why you can't attend the assessment at one of their centres. If you have to cancel an appointment then you can only do this once.

ellerdene · August 2018

Hi
My partner was asked to attend for Assessment but at the time had just had surgery so was unable to travel.Our GP provided a letter which we were told had not been received at first but they lied basically and had got the letter, they eventually cancelled the appointment but he was refused a home visit and still had to go to the Assessment Centre eventually ! point being its very hard to get a home visit and most people are forced to attend it seems they make very few exceptions ! and sadly although they encourage people to use public transport as the train station is close to the centre in Bham you then get penalised and marked down for being able to use the train so you just cant win.

Chloe_Scope · August 2018

Thank you for sharing this with us @ellerdene, and a very warm welcome to the community!

[Deleted User] · August 2018

Hi Lindda1960

Just wanted to echo what poppy123456 has written. The doctor's letter has to be very specific and even then, a home visit is often refused. You can only not attend one appointment, after that the DWP is very likely to stop your benefit.

On the plus side, and this only works for some people in some situations, the healthcare professional (the assessor) may realise more about your disability (ies) at an assessment centre than they would see at home, and this can be an advantage.

Of course I'm not saying that people should be asked to go to an assessment centre when they just can't get there, but there is some advantage to being seen there, if it means that the assessor gets to understand more about how it really is for you when you go out.

Gill_Scope

Linda1960 · January 2019

Hi i was approved for home visit but still waiting, since last year, it's making me anxious, thanks for your last reply.

poppy123456 · January 2019

There can often be a long wait for a home assessment, the good news is you can't be found fit for work without a face to face assessment. Hopefully it won't be much longer.