ESA support group criteria

Hi.

I just want to see if anyone knows if the support group criteria have changed recently? I've read the guide again today and see that I should automatically qualify as walking under 50 metres.

I highlighted this in my ESA50 form on review, and sent it with my PIP report which confirms this to maxima in April ,the oil assessment 31st Jan and decision only a month old. I followed up with Maxima in September - they said still being looked at by doctors to see if need assessment. I followed up today and told they sent a request to my GP for a report last week (8 months after I sent form In).

If the rules haven't changed why would they need another report? And what can I do about this. Frankly, worried and upset. I can't face having to sit with another stranger im my home and tell them how rubbish my life is/has been. Running low in dignity at this point! I don't think I should have to in this particular instance either, having already provided plenty of evidence,!

Any suggestions)help would be very much appreciated.

I have ME, FMS, and PoTS if it help to know.

The criteria for ESA is mobilisimg not walking. The assessor is allowed to consider whether the claim,ant could self-propel a wheelchair over the distance in question.

The claimant does not have to own a wheelchair, use one or even have had the use of one suggested.

If the claimant has not made it clear that they cannot self-propel then it is likely that the assessor will consider them able to do so.

Thanks. I hope I made it clear in my firm that it was mobilising not walking, but see your point I'll have to check. On another look the pip descriptor I meet is can stand and walk unaided more than 20 but less than 50, so I guess they could be looking at self propelling a wheelchair (which I can't). I guess I need to see my gp. The thought of another medical makes me just want to give up. Really dont want to do it again
Nevermind, tomorrow's another day.
Thanks again

Thanks.

I see what you mean. But the esa asks about OVER 50 metres and my PIP says " you can stand and move 20 metres but no more than 50 metres". When deciding this they have had to consider use of aids, and my ability to do safely, reliably, repeatedly etc?

When I had my pip review assessment I asked if she'd read my form, she hesitated then said she'd read the conditions I have and the medication I use. So basically. I gave her a copy which she sat and read. After a few minutes she said if she had read this she could've written the report without seeing me! I guess I'm just worried that this situation is repeating itself. It seems like there's nothing I can do but wait for these things to happen,cand complian afterward, which totally missed the point.......that it is making me worse by having the assessors visit in the first place. Very, very frustrating!

Gosh - so basically if you are doubled over with pain immediately on standing/walking, but can use your arms/hands to propel a wheelchair (even if you don't use one) they will find you fit for work?