How can I ensure I'm put in the Support Group?

suzyc1954
suzyc1954 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited March 2018 in Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)
Hi - I am completing an ESA50 and have completed this quite well but I am anxious to be put in the Support Group because of my condition which is severe COPD and have 32% lung capacity.  I am unable to do very much because the slightest exertion leaves me very breathless.  How do I persuade the assessors that I should be in the Support Group without sounding like "teaching your granny to suck eggs" or upsetting sensibilities. I know I can go through the descriptors and can satisfy quite a number for the SG but obviously I don't want to overstep the mark completing my application.  Thanks and regards.

Comments

  • Pippa_Alumni
    Pippa_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 5,761 Championing
    Hi @suzyc1954, and welcome to the community!

    As you say, it certainly sounds as though you should be in the support group. However, it's really difficult to predict what outcomes will be ahead of time. Have you sent off the assessment yet? 

    Citizens Advice have some great in-depth guidance on filling in the ESA form which you may like to double check your own answers against, and our community members may be able to share some tips too. These support group descriptors may also be helpful. I really hope you get the outcome you're hoping for and if not, we'll do our best to rectify things. Do keep updated and we'll advise where we can! 
  • BenefitsTrainingCo
    BenefitsTrainingCo Online Community Member Posts: 2,621 Trailblazing
    Hi suzyc1954, 

    Apart from explaining your limitations as clearly as you possibly can on the ESA50 form, providing whatever medical evidence you can is also important in getting the best outcome possible. There's not a lot else you can do if you do those two things. Good luck.

    Lee
  • Government_needs_reform
    Government_needs_reform Online Community Member Posts: 891 Trailblazing
    To add to the already great advice?

    As I suffererer I have COPD with other many issues I face I also make very stange noises when I move. I sent with my forms my diagnosis of my COPD as I'm also at stage 3 Explain in full how it affects you and if you have an assessment they will certainly hear your breathing issues. 

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