Hi, I've been in the Support Group for ESA for the last 3 years. In August i was sent another ESA50 form to fill in. I took it along to CAB with my evidence. Feeling extremely nervous about the whole process. Hadn't heard anything until this morning when i had a letter telling me they've kept me in the Support Group for another year. Paper based decision. Very happy. That's my PIP and ESA all sorted. Now i can relax while i wait to collect my car Friday.
What a relief. I am waiting for a reassessment at the moment!
Very happy for you x
Brilliant news
Glad your outcome has been a positive, what car have you gone for
Thank you all. My car is suzuki vitara SZ T automatic. Easy to get in and out of and perfect to fit my mobility scooter in the boot. It's ready quicker than i thought it would be. Once the car is at the dealers do you know how long it takes to be able to collect it please?
Thanks. Yes i was waiting for mine too, then i got the letter. Good luck with yours.
Mine was at the dealers on the Friday and I could have collected it Monday but I was not well so collected it on the Tuesday, I had a Volvo but I can't get my mobility scooter in as she is a big one, have got to decide whether to keep her and make do with chair and crutches in car or sell her and buy a smaller one, to be honest I'm really nervous on the small ones so will probably keep her.
I can manage with chair when car is only option.
Glad you can get yours in.
That was quick. Mine is being delivered to the dealers on Tuesday. They told me it takes a few days to finalise everything with motability, (even though i've had my paper work) so will be ready for collection Friday. My scooter is small and easy to fit in my boot. It's plenty big enough for me and serves it's purpose as i don't go out very often.
That's good news. I'm glad that you can relax for a little while now x
Yea they have to get tax etc sorted don't they.
You enjoy
Well done Denise.
Whilst we hear many horror stories on this site it is often overlooked how many are actually successful with their initial or reassessments.
What that proves is follow the correct procedure give the DWP what they want and you have no need to worry. There are flaws with the system and those with MH or Cognitive problems do face disadvantage if they don't seek help but generally the very ill and disabled will be protected if they follow the correct procedure which includes filling the forms in properly, providing the right medical evidence and attending an assessment if required.
I can't disagree Anthony, but whilst doing all of that including getting help if it is available it all depends on the face to face assessment on how you come over to the assessor and getting an assessor that is experienced, fair and genuine.
If for any reason that the assessment is not carried out in the correct manner or if the claimant is not able to put their point across then you will probably fail.
As Pam has said, it is becoming obvious that the DWP now place more importance on the assessment report than on any other evidence including the claim form.
The very ill and disabled will not automatically be protected. They are just as liable to fail the process as would a 21 year old who works full time and who suffers from say ME or early onset Arthritis.
Pam also made quite a good comment in one of her posts in that if you present a letter from say a Consultant that clearly states that walking any distance beyond 10 metres is going to be extremely difficult and painful, you would expect that to be treated as primary evidence.
Unfortunately if the assessor is more inclined to believe that the claimant can walk 200 metres with no problem and puts that in the assessment report, the DWP will automatically follow the assessors opinion over that of the Consultant.
If they see the claimant leave there car and walk from car to assessment centre which even across a road and into a building could be 60 feet, how do you stand then.
I also believe that because these benefits are quite high they probably keep a descreet eye on us.
how do you stand then.........
Maybe on their feet?
If they see that and the claimant insists that they can only manage 20 metres, It is up to the assessor to consider that 20 metres (60' may well be just the start of their walking ability - I would imagine that the assessor would state over 20 metres but less than 200 metres.
They have CCTV and you can guarantee that they have already measured the distances between various points in and around the centre.
Le's I'm surprised at you, humour ???
That's what happened to me. I had all the right information to back up my claim. But the assessment was appauling
it's not just what you can prove but what you demonstrate at the face to face assessment that is as important if not more inportant. The assessor is quite within their rights to assume anything. The report is only their opinion - just the same as what your doctor would say which is their opinion.
I do have my moments - not often - just the odd time. Normally I'm grumpy!!