ESA50 help — Scope | Disability forum
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ESA50 help

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ElsieC1
ElsieC1 Community member Posts: 31 Listener
in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
I am filling out the ESA50 which has a lot of tick boxes. Can you leave boxes unticked if none apply. ?

I am unable to move 20 metres before significant discomfort hits. Should I leave the 50m, 100m, 200m, It varies boxes unticked and explain why in the more information box. I am pushed in an attendant wheelchair most of the time as I cannot use my upper limbs for propelling.

Also why is the form so small ?!  Seems not much bigger than A5.

Thank you


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  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,010 Disability Gamechanger
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    You can attach extra pages because, as you say, the space on the form is too small. Make sure ay extra pages have your name and N number on them and make clear which question the extra information relates to. I always write all the text answers on extra information and just write "see attached pages"in the boxes on the form.

    I think in the circumstances it is OK to leave all of those tick boxes blank and start you reply "I have left all of the boxes unticked because I cannot do even 50 m to the required standard. I can only walk about 20 metres until ....." I need to explain what happens, where the pain is and how it prevents you walking on etc.

    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 54,573 Disability Gamechanger
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    Also be aware that the mobilising part isn't just about walking, they also take into consideration your ability to use a self propelled wheelchair.


    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
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  • ElsieC1
    ElsieC1 Community member Posts: 31 Listener
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    Thank you for your help.The PIP form was so much larger. 

    Am I right that it is not necessary to say I am in receipt of PIP as they do not cross reference anyway ?


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  • ElsieC1
    ElsieC1 Community member Posts: 31 Listener
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    I cannot self-propel as I have an upper limb disability. I have an OT report for that.
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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 54,573 Disability Gamechanger
    edited December 2022
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    PIP and ESA are 2 completely different benefits, with different criteria. Claiming one doesn't automatically entitle you to the other. Though there's no harm in mentioning your PIP award.
    Although you have evidence about your upper limb disability you also need to mention that within the form and give more details about how it affects you.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
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  • ElsieC1
    ElsieC1 Community member Posts: 31 Listener
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    Thank you for your input - you are very knowledgable. 

    Do all ESA claimants have to go to an assessment centre. What are the chances of a home visit given my mobility issue and the hassle of travel - transit chair etc ?

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  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,010 Disability Gamechanger
    edited December 2022
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    Most assessments are currently done by phone.

    Poppy, thanks for picking up on wheelchair.
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
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  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 54,573 Disability Gamechanger
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    ElsieC1 said:


    Do all ESA claimants have to go to an assessment centre. What are the chances of a home visit given my mobility issue and the hassle of travel - transit chair etc ?


    Your chances of the home visit are zero because they no longer do these and haven't since the start of the pandemic. Assessments are now done through either telephone, video call or face to face at an assessment centre.

    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
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  • ElsieC1
    ElsieC1 Community member Posts: 31 Listener
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    OK - I hope it is by phone.

    Thanks again - I will be sure to explain how my upper limb disability affects my inability to self propel - as detailed in the OT Wheelchair specialist report.
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  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,978 Disability Gamechanger
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    Hopefully, it will be by phone as you hope @ElsieC1. Please feel free to let us know how things go and if you need any support in the meantime.

    We are all here for you and listening to you. Take care for now and we will look forward to, hopefully, hearing from you again soon  :)
    Community Volunteer Adviser with professional knowledge of education, special educational needs and disabilities and EHCP's. Pronouns: She/her. 

    Please note: if I use the online community outside of its hours of administration, I am doing so in a personal capacity only.
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