F2F esa: what does the assessor know about me?

Hello. Thanks for this brilliant site. I have been in the support group for ESA for some time, following transfer from IB, and although I have filled in several forms have not had to go for a medical for a few years, thanks I'm sure to the advice here. I must not have filled in my latest form so well, as I now have an assessment

I was wondering what information the assessor will already have on me, eg do they know how long I've been claiming? do they only have my most recent form or previous ones as well? do they have the medical information I submitted with my form? Or will they judge me purely on that interview?

Also, I have just moved and hardly know my new GP. When I went to my first and only appointment, she said she had received a DWP form to fill in but had not yet got notes from my old surgery. (My longstanding GP, who knew me very well and was always helpful, has just retired in any case). She didn't have much empathy so I don't think she will have been particularly supportive if indeed she filled in the form. It took me by surprise as I had named a consultant as the person to contact because I had not even met my new doctor then, which I stated on the form. If my new GP has indeed been less than supportive, how much will this count against me?

Thanks.

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The assessor should have seen your latest ESA50 and supporting documents. However, they are highly unlikely to have any knowledge of your prior claims, or even whether you are already in receipt of ESA. This is why you should approach every reassessment in the same way as the original claim, filling in the form in depth and supplying as much supporting documentation as you can.

Maximus virtually never contact the claimant's consultant. In fact, I believe that they are not allowed to do so, for reasons of cost. Only DWP can make such a request - and the assessor will already have made a recommendation by that time.

GP's are only contacted in around 1:4 claims.The form they have to fill in is very brief, it doesn't ask for much detail. Even then, only a further 1:4 GP's reply. So, the chances of your GP having submitted a report are 15:1 against. I hope that knowing this will allow you to stop worrying so much.

You might wish to bookmark/favourite this on your web browser now so that you can find it easily in future. That will allow you to return with further questions/queries without having to start a new topic each time. It helps us enormously when everything relating to the same claim is kept in one place - and I hope you will find it useful too

Thank you very much for such a prompt and helpful reply. The anxiety provoked by these complicated forms and just the thought of an assessment, let alone the actual thing, is enough to make anyone feel a lot sicker than they were in the first place!

Well I attended for my assessment, but was kept waiting for two hours then advised I had to re-fix as there would not be time to see me before they knocked off at 5. They cancelled several people, some accompanied by their support workers, though most did not have as long a wait. Obviously the appointment system does not work. They actually suggested ringing next time before leaving home.... Anyway, I note that you advise writing to DWP to state that your interview was cancelled. Does this apply even though I have received a letter with the new date? Also, I'm confused as to which address to write to - not the centre for health and disability assessments I assume? Is it the Jobcentreplus address on the letter that tells me the amount I'm paid? Thanks. One more thing, please. I've finally got an updated letter from my consultant confiming my inability to work - I enclosed one from three years ago with my form. I gave a copy of this to the receptionist at the assessment centre to put with my file, but should I send a copy to the DWP as well? Thanks very much for your help

Well I rang before my rearranged assessment as requested, and they rang me back to tell me when to leave home (hour journey, driven by a longsuffering friend) - over an hour later than planned. Arrived, waited an hour and a half to be told there was something missing from my file and they had to contact central office in Wembley. I asked what was missing as I might well have a copy with me, and was told it just said 'other'. They could not get through on the phone for ages, and I assume my appointment time was given to someone else. I asked why the missing item was not found last time I attended, but apparently they do not look at your file until your appointment time. I was then informed that the fax machine at Wembley wasn't working so I should go home and my assessment would be rearranged. Again. I guess I have to write another letter to the DWP about this cancellation. I don't really understand how they know a document is missing from the folder, any idea what 'other' could encompass? Three other people were turned away this time while I was there, one after two hours wait. Is there a limit to how many times they can ask people to attend and then cancel them? Do you know if they are targeted on appointments regardless of whether people are actually assessed? I can't think of any other reason why this system should be such a shambles unless it is deliberately designed to wear us down.