ESA50 struggling

Hello,

I have just received an ESA 50 to be returned by 31 March. I have been in the SG for three years and receive DLA. I struggle with any kind of forms, but feel particularly sick and panic stricken when it's anything to do with the DWP.

This is obviously different from the last form I filled in for ESA (that was in Nov 2012 with the award being made in June 2013). I have only reached page three and hit a problem with 'other professionals or carers'. Two of my separate consultants treating me for separate conditions have retired within the last year. I know that one has not yet been replaced, not sure about the other. My next hospital appointments are in May (I have them twice a year), so not sure how to deal with that question.

I called my GP for an appointment for an updated general medical report and to see if she could advise me about the consultants, but the earliest appointment available with her is 23 March. Can anyone suggest a way to approach this without missing the 31 March deadline? My mind seems to close down and I can't focus when faced with these forms.

I am also unsure about how far back to go in providing supporting evidence. Should I include all important hospital reports etc. since I last filled the forms in in Nov 2012?

Advice much appreciated, thanks.

Hi Shemarie,

As far as your consultants are concerned, I don't think I would worry too much as the chance of them being asked for information regarding your claim is very slim! Maybe give their names, explain that they are now retired but that your records will still be in the department if needed?

Your GP might be prepared to give you a letter of support, although increasingly few are doing so these days. If they will, something that references the ESA descriptors would be of most help.

There is nothing in law that allows an extension for returning the ESA50 so you should be sure to get it back in time. If really neccessary, you can include a sentence or two explaining that you will be sending additional information/evidence later. Don't forget to keep a record of the address if you do this!

If it would be easier, you can fill in the PDF version of the ESA50 and submit that instead of the copy you were sent. Don't forget to make full use of our ESA guides!

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

ESA claims and appeals

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Thank you Gordon. Yes, I will include them as they do detail diagnoses.

Sorry, one more question I forgot to ask.

I would normally have received letters by now telling me how much ESA and DLA I would be receiving for next year, but have received nothing.

Would this be because I was due for reassessment having been in the SG for three years? Have other people received these letters?

Many thanks.

It seems that some of the uprating letters have not yet been sent out. I'm afraid you cannot draw any conclusions from this!