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Online v handwritten forms Underlying assumptions

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7 years 2 months ago #178360 by AloneOnESA
I am completing the ESA 50 form again. I was in WRA group but had six months in Support group due to radiotherapy. [Wish I hadn't lifted my head above the parapet then really]

I suffer with extreme depression and anxiety. Last time I followed the similar guide "The Big Book of Benefits" to the letter, using "It Varies" for each question, then attaching 1-2 A4 handwritten pages by way of explanation. I had my medical during which I was genuinely shaky agitated and tearful. I got a call from the decision makers, lost my rag with the woman who had an appalling attitude and was then called back by a chap who asked a few questions then said I had scored nil points but he was putting me on WRA.

Not really sure what to make of all that? Presumably the decision makers were a bit undecided and the 'phone calls tipped things in my favour somehow, perhaps some Exceptional Circumstances?

So this time I am using your guide but frankly am concerned as it seems last time it was as much luck as anything, certainly touch and go, and I don't have that much different to write this time other than a short cancer spell this year.

Am obviously looking at every detail now and although you say it is perfectly acceptable to complete the form online. I wonder if it can be construed as the claimant can use a computer competently and moreover, spend a long time doing so and they may translate that into they can take a job on a computer for hours at a time.

I also think that handwritten gives a better sense of the person and their state of mind. including no option to spell check! which could be construed as "can type and spell accurately".

So Question 1. For the reasons above ... If one uses the online form, is it not better to state that they had help completing the form? ie someone else did the wording and typing.

Question 2. Are they not now "suspicious" that as we have used their language and formulated our answers in such a specific way that we are using this guide [ Assume they all know of it and some are even members in order to "spy" ]
and as such we have the ability to study, research and extract information and could therefore take a job where we have to study, research and extract information.
It concerns me that by following the guide rigidly, we ironically make ourselves look too able at best and trying to work the system at worst.

For cases like my own where it is difficult to get much in the way of supporting evidence, [Previously psychiatric consultant letter dismissed and none available this time] every move we make here is a worry.

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7 years 2 months ago #178378 by Gordon
AloneOnESA

Forgive me but I think you are over thinking this :) if you take these arguments to their logical conclusion then however you fill in the form and whatever you write will prevent from you receiving an award.

Fill out the form using what ever method is easier for you bearing in mind your limitations. Personally I find writing very difficult and prone to error, using a keyboard is much easier and I make extensive use of the spell checker.

All of the information that we provide is in the Public Domain, none of it is so well hidden that anybody with an intent to find it would not be able to do so.

You only have one shot at this so you really need to put your best claim forward.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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7 years 2 months ago #178413 by AloneOnESA
Replied by AloneOnESA on topic Online v handwritten forms Underlying assumptions
I hear what you say Gordon. I am mindful of veering into paranoia. It just worries me when I read that ... at times, the medical assessors are instructed, that if the claimant can dress themselves adequately and get to the medical and make eye contact then they must pass you as fit for work, in order to meet their own targets.

But thank you for your advice.

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7 years 2 months ago #178432 by Gordon

AloneOnESA wrote: I hear what you say Gordon. I am mindful of veering into paranoia. It just worries me when I read that ... at times, the medical assessors are instructed, that if the claimant can dress themselves adequately and get to the medical and make eye contact then they must pass you as fit for work, in order to meet their own targets.

But thank you for your advice.


Assessors have a very naïve understanding of mental health problems and the tests that they sometimes perform are often taken as defining when in fact they are best indicators of problems ion this area.

There is little that you can do about this other than provide a detailed claim form and if possible supporting evidence.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: AloneOnESA

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