Help with ESA Capability for Work questionnaire

David2529

Hello,
I would be very grateful for help in completing the new ESA "Capability for Work' questionnaire. I have received ESA for many years and before that Incapacity benefit. I am seeking help in the language and examples, including the type of descriptors that will help me describe the impact my illnesses have on my life. I suffer from constant chronic pain, depression, anxiety, including agoraphobia and diabetes. I have read online guidelines, but as you will know many of you will have felt equally overwhelmed and desperately anxious this form has become. I do not know where to begin to accurately describe my illnesses and use language that will genuinely reflect the profound level of illnesses that will show the assessor why I should continue to receive ESA. Receiving the form has created such anxiety I cannot begin to think straight and would be very deeply grateful if anyone might be able to suggest anything that might help me complete this form, which must be returned by the 13th December 2019. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to read my request, it is greatly appreciated.
David

poppy123456

Hi,

There's no specific language or words you should use when filling out any forms. You just need to tell it how it is. You need to fill out the form with as much information as possible about how your conditions affect you. Adding some real life examples will also help. No one on an internet forum can tell you any real life examples because no one knows how your conditions affect you and everyone is affected differently by these conditions, you never get 2 people the same.

The work capability assessment form hasn't changed in all the time i've been claiming ESA (2013)

Do you know the reasons why you were placed into the group that you're in when you were last assessed? This will help you when filling out the form because if that still applies then you can concentrate on that.

I don't know whether you've read this link but take a look. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/fill-in-form/

See descriptors for both groups here.

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1354-work-related-activity-group-descriptors

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

Regulation 29 and 35 here. (substantial risk)

https://cpag.org.uk/welfare-rights/resources/article/making-exception

Don't forget to send evidence to support your claim with the form because they rarely contact anyone for this. Expect a face to face assessment because most have them. You must make sure that you leave plenty of time for them to receive the form why you post it back,, failing to return the form onto and you could be found fit for work.

If you still can't fill them out yourself then i'd advise you to get some face to face advice from an agency near you. This link will help find what's local to you. https://advicelocal.uk/

Adrian_Scope

Hi @David2529 and welcome to the community. 
Take a look at the links Poppy has provided. I know they can seem a bit overwhelming but take your time and if there's any part you're unsure on or you want more information about a particular descriptor or anything let us know.

David2529

Thank you both for your excellent and detailed replies, you have helped me enormously and I am most grateful. Many thanks. 

poppy123456

You're welcome. I'm glad my advice helped, if you need further advice please just ask

Chloe_Alumni

Welcome to the community @David2529.

Please do let us know if we can do anything else to help!

David2529

Thank you!