I've read previously about there being a kind of 'nominal date' after which all those previously classed as PCA exempt will then be liable to be called in for WCA re: IB migration.
HOWEVER I myself have been called in for WCA next Monday (17th) after completing ESA50 (since I'm in Aberdeen, part of the 'trial' group). I have previously been PCA exempt, and also on Higher rate Care for DLA.
Now, I'm not sure if - because I'm in one of the 'trial' areas - I'm 'fair game', since the rules that may apply to other areas re: a 'nominal date' come the start of the mass persecution don't apply in the 'trial' areas? Or should I be querying this further with DWP or ATOS?
Furthermore - and this may be of interest to others with mental health issues - I heard today about someone's mother phoning up to ask one of the agencies recently (DWP or ATOS) which part of severe mental health issues they did not understand with regards to her son (who has bipolar) when the ESA50 form came through. Apparently the need to complete the form or attend the interview was then waived.
I've not heard of this before, and am feeling that there are unseen agendas and hidden rules being applied here. If one person has had the need to fill in the ESA50 or attend a WCA waived due to bipolar then why am I having to go through with it?!?
There's no automatic exemption for severe mental illness for ESA. However it is possible to get straight into the support group of ESA if there would be a serious risk to the health of the claimant or someone else if they were deemed fit for work related activity. It is open to a Decision Maker to take the view that that would be the case based on the information they have, which might include a report from the claimant's own doctor and an opinion from an Atos doctor without a medical.
