Just recieved another ESA50

Hi all

Got back from a tough therapy session today to find the dreaded ATOS envelope waiting for me

I had my first assessment and result about 4 months ago and was placed in the support group. I got a copy of the ATOS report from the last time and it said that a return to work could be considered within 6 months so I was expecting to get a new ESA50 soon anyway.

Have read the guide and reminded myself what I put on the last form and have started to complete the new one - however I now have worked myself into a huge stress because I am scared I will be found fit to work based on the last assessors opinion.

How likely is it that they will use the old report to make a decision and also is it common for people to go from support group to fit for work?

I still don't think I am fit for work, although I would like to try volunteering again (in the next 2-3 months) soon and know of somewhere that I can do as and when I feel up to it, so would be happy with being put in the WRAG group this time.

Thank you for your reply Gordon. Have had a quick skim through the old and new guides - will read them both properly again when I am in a better mood.

I possibly do still meet the criteria to be placed in the support group (significant risk). My last medical is a bit of a haze as I dissociated a couple of times through it (noted in the report) but I remember talking to her about suicidal/self harm thoughts which is noted under the 'support group information' header on the report.

Also looking through the report again reminded me that lots of the information I put on my old ESA50 was not noted in the report and I don't even think she asked me about some of the questions on there. However as I had been given ESA I didn't think anymore about it at the time. A little worried now that it will come back to bite me this time because it wasn't noted last time they won't believe it this time.

Am I just over thinking this all too much?

Coffee wrote:

Thank you for your reply Gordon. Have had a quick skim through the old and new guides - will read them both properly again when I am in a better mood.

I possibly do still meet the criteria to be placed in the support group (significant risk). My last medical is a bit of a haze as I dissociated a couple of times through it (noted in the report) but I remember talking to her about suicidal/self harm thoughts which is noted under the 'support group information' header on the report.

Also looking through the report again reminded me that lots of the information I put on my old ESA50 was not noted in the report and I don't even think she asked me about some of the questions on there. However as I had been given ESA I didn't think anymore about it at the time. A little worried now that it will come back to bite me this time because it wasn't noted last time they won't believe it this time.

Am I just over thinking this all too much?

Hi,

It is possible that the person carrying out the medical may have not seen your ESA50 when you had the medical which could explain why things on the ESA50 are not asked about or in the medical report. It is a good idea to have a copy of your latest ESA50 with you when you have the medical to remind you of things that could be helpful to inform the Doctor/Nurse carrying out the medical.

It is the Decision Maker who will make the decision based on both your ESA50 and the medical report. So do remember to complete the ESA50 as fully as possible (the guides in the members area will help).

As to using the older medical report/ESA50 although they may reference it, they would chiefly make the decision based on the latest medical information which should be in your latest ESA50 and latest medical report.

Pete

pete17971 wrote:

It is possible that the person carrying out the medical may have not seen your ESA50 when you had the medical which could explain why things on the ESA50 are not asked about or in the medical report. It is a good idea to have a copy of your latest ESA50 with you when you have the medical to remind you of things that could be helpful to inform the Doctor/Nurse carrying out the medical.

At my medical the nurse said she'd had a 'quick read' of my ESA50. There were a number of items on the ESA50 she did NOT question me further about and Afterwards did not award points for. I suspect the DWP then just rubber-stamped her 'no points' decision. So my advice is to make a written list of points you want to get across (showing how the descriptors fit you) and make sure you speak about each one during the exam.

Do not feel awkward about repeating what is on the ESA50. The medical is basically your main chance to be awarded ESA. I know theoretically the DWP could overrule the ATOS recommendation but I bet you that's as rare as hens' teeth.

Good luck!
Andy

If she followed her guidance in the ESA handbook she would have read the ESA50 'thoroughly' and noted all your problems.

To actually tell a claimant that she had a 'quick read' is treating claimants with contempt!