"Adaption"

Hi

18mths a go I was put into ESA Support group, I had been transferred from incapacity moved to WRAG without a medical, appealed & was put into Support shortly after without the need of any hearing. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would never have achieved this without the assistance of this site, it proved to be invaluable.

Sadly my renewal has now come about, as my health has deteriorated a lot since then I am feeling quite overwhelmed at the thought of having to do this all again, but again I must. I realise the importance of following your excellent guidelines but there is something I have seen in a few threads about "adaption". I'm not sure what this means or in what context the DWP are looking at, how are you supposed to have adapted to your illnesses ? Are they suggesting that you have been ill for so long, are still here so must have adapted by now ? I have had more mobility aids (shower seats, stair rails etc) fitted into my home, is that a form of adaption ?

Sorry, I'm just a little confused as to what they mean.

Marie22 wrote: Hi

18mths a go I was put into ESA Support group, I had been transferred from incapacity moved to WRAG without a medical, appealed & was put into Support shortly after without the need of any hearing. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that I would never have achieved this without the assistance of this site, it proved to be invaluable.

Sadly my renewal has now come about, as my health has deteriorated a lot since then I am feeling quite overwhelmed at the thought of having to do this all again, but again I must. I realise the importance of following your excellent guidelines but there is something I have seen in a few threads about "adaption". I'm not sure what this means or in what context the DWP are looking at, how are you supposed to have adapted to your illnesses ? Are they suggesting that you have been ill for so long, are still here so must have adapted by now ? I have had more mobility aids (shower seats, stair rails etc) fitted into my home, is that a form of adaption ?

Sorry, I'm just a little confused as to what they mean.

Hi M22,

Welcome to Benefits and Work

As it seems that your previous ESA WCA was circa August 2012, you should be aware that some of the ESA qualifying criteria changed in January 2013.

This time around, you might want to consider :

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

Whilst referring to the guides under the heading of "ESA Claims and Appeals - Current forms"

On this page :

ESA Claims Guides

See also :

How long do I have to complete the ESA50?

ESA50 too big for the envelope

&

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

As the assessing ATOS HCP will look at this ESA50 in a standalone capacity, it may be advisable to make it clear that you are currently in The SG, citing the relevant qualifying descriptors if you are aware of them.

You should treat this ESA50 as if it was your first, and do not assume that the HCP will have any knowledge of your health conditions and resulting limitations.

With regards to your query regarding adapting, this is with respect to whether you have learned to cope better with your limitations, in that you have adapted better to them.

e.g. This could be the case for someone who had lost a limb 3 years ago, rather than a year ago, etc, etc.

This is the excuse given by The DWP for the constant cycle of ESA assessments and reassessments.

If applicable, you should make it clear that you have not received any operative procedures, nor are you taking any new medication that may alleviate your limitations. i.e. Your limitations have not diminished.

Nor have you learned to cope with, or have adapted to said limitations since your last assessment.

If your limitations have increased since your last assessment, make that clear also.

I know this may seem that you are stating the obvious, however, this has to be done on each reassessment.

Please reply to this topic if you have any further queries.

bro58