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Questions about F2F medical ESA
- Benson
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10 years 6 months ago #126541 by Benson
Questions about F2F medical ESA was created by Benson
Well, seems the time has come, after about 17 months or so since I sent back my ESA renewal form I have been selected for a face to face medical. I tried to send in more evidence but I am guessing this wasn't good enough as I got a new appointment date through from ATOS for this week.
I haven't had a medical for over 4 years, not since the new Tory version in about 2010. I am currently in the support group, previous renewals I got through without medical. Before that though I went to a lot of medicals, every 12 to 18 months, so I know very well how it worked back then, I just have a few questions.
1. I wondered if it has changed since then for the questions they ask ? Or will it be very much the same ? Is the format very similar ? I understand you have guides, which I will read, but was just curious quickly if it has changed since 2009.
2. I hear now they ring you when you have failed ? I used to just get a letter giving me my points, either pass or fail. Will they ring if I have passed or just if I fail ?
3. If I end up in the work related group can I ask for a reconsideration to go to the support group ? If so is this done via letter or phone ?
4. If I fail fully and I want to find out why I failed so I can query it for a reconsideration, what do I need for that or am I automatically given that info ?
5. Finally, I have both mental and physical health issues, does that mean I will get a nurse or doctor ? Will I be sent to 2 different places ?
Sorry as I know you do have guides, which I will indeed read, but it good to just have the bullet point questions answered so I know quickly.
Thanks for any advice.
I haven't had a medical for over 4 years, not since the new Tory version in about 2010. I am currently in the support group, previous renewals I got through without medical. Before that though I went to a lot of medicals, every 12 to 18 months, so I know very well how it worked back then, I just have a few questions.
1. I wondered if it has changed since then for the questions they ask ? Or will it be very much the same ? Is the format very similar ? I understand you have guides, which I will read, but was just curious quickly if it has changed since 2009.
2. I hear now they ring you when you have failed ? I used to just get a letter giving me my points, either pass or fail. Will they ring if I have passed or just if I fail ?
3. If I end up in the work related group can I ask for a reconsideration to go to the support group ? If so is this done via letter or phone ?
4. If I fail fully and I want to find out why I failed so I can query it for a reconsideration, what do I need for that or am I automatically given that info ?
5. Finally, I have both mental and physical health issues, does that mean I will get a nurse or doctor ? Will I be sent to 2 different places ?
Sorry as I know you do have guides, which I will indeed read, but it good to just have the bullet point questions answered so I know quickly.
Thanks for any advice.
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- Gordon
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10 years 6 months ago #126544 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Questions about F2F medical ESA
Benson
There have been significant changes to the ESA Descriptors and Regulations since 2010, however, the assessment process is largely the same.
To try and answer your questions.
1. Assessments are still controlled by a computer programme which prompts the assessor to ask specific questions, there is a section at the back or the current ES Claim guides that covers this.
2. They ring for both failed and successful assessments, however, not in every case, I can't quote you a figure for how likely you are to receive a call, but I would be surprised if it was in more than 25% of claims.
3. If you are placed in the WRAG or found Fit for Work then you can ask the DWP to reconsider the Decision, this is now called a Mandatory Reconsideration, requests can be made over the phone but we recommend claimants also make the request in writing. There is an ESA MR & Appeal guide that explains the process if you require it.
4. You can request all of the documents used by the DWP Decision Maker in the making of the Decision, there are lists of what may be available should you need them.
5. There will be one assessment, even if you have both physical and mental health problems, some conditions are supposed to only be seen by a doctor but we have seen numerous examples or where this has not happened. If it is not a doctor then it could be a nurse or a physiotherapist, I am afraid you cannot insist that you are seen by a doctor.
The guides mentioned above are available on the following link
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1
Gordon
There have been significant changes to the ESA Descriptors and Regulations since 2010, however, the assessment process is largely the same.
To try and answer your questions.
1. Assessments are still controlled by a computer programme which prompts the assessor to ask specific questions, there is a section at the back or the current ES Claim guides that covers this.
2. They ring for both failed and successful assessments, however, not in every case, I can't quote you a figure for how likely you are to receive a call, but I would be surprised if it was in more than 25% of claims.
3. If you are placed in the WRAG or found Fit for Work then you can ask the DWP to reconsider the Decision, this is now called a Mandatory Reconsideration, requests can be made over the phone but we recommend claimants also make the request in writing. There is an ESA MR & Appeal guide that explains the process if you require it.
4. You can request all of the documents used by the DWP Decision Maker in the making of the Decision, there are lists of what may be available should you need them.
5. There will be one assessment, even if you have both physical and mental health problems, some conditions are supposed to only be seen by a doctor but we have seen numerous examples or where this has not happened. If it is not a doctor then it could be a nurse or a physiotherapist, I am afraid you cannot insist that you are seen by a doctor.
The guides mentioned above are available on the following link
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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