ESA IR claim - Support Group and PIP Review

Hello again,

At the end of last week, I found out from a DWP phone advisor that my legacy income-related ESA claim (which I began on the phone just under 3 weeks ago) was accepted and about to be put into assessment phase payment. A first payment was credited into my account today.

I haven't yet received any letter from them confirming acceptance of my claim and detailing payments etc.

Today, I have already received an ESA50 form from Health Assessment Advisory Service, with Monday's date, giving me a month to complete and return it. It was sent first class. That is very quick. Is this usual? I was led to believe by the advisor when I first claimed on the phone that it would not be sent out before the end of next month.

Do they allow an extension if I need time to gather medical evidence from my doctor and primary care mental health nurse? Getting appointments takes time and time will be needed for them to complete letters/reports. It is very important that I include evidence when I return my ESA50 because I know that they do not always/if at all contact your medical team.

Also, is it possible for them to do a paper based assessment with a new claim or does that never happen?

Thank you for any advice.

Libra

Hello Gordon,

Quick question, we are going to download the ESA50 work capability questionnaire and my sister is going to help me fill it in by typing it. In the section in the form where it asks if anybody helped you fill in the form, do we give my sister's details? The section seems to imply a social worker or other official help's details are required there (also looking at your ESA50 claim guide, September 2019). We are happy to fill in my sister's details there, particularly because within the form itself, I am giving details of needing help with tasks like this because of my illness. Otherwise, the health assessor might think I have had no difficulty completing it by myself.

Thank you.

Libra

Hello,

My ESA50 form together with up to date medical letters in support were received by the DWP about 10 days ago.

I have been reading on the forum and elsewhere that there is a backlog of ESA assessments. Maximus (HAAS) are my health assessor. Will I be waiting long for a WCA? Or, because it is a new claim will it be dealt with quicker?

We filled the form in with as much detail as possible for the relevant activities where I have problems. The medical letters in support are current and refer to my problems with the same relevant activities more generally.

I also get PIP, enhanced daily living. Will they consider that as relevant and also look at that? Even though ATOS assessed that? I get it for the same mental health condition.

The Maximus website mentions that they consider at the outset whether or not they can do a paper-based assessment and also mention contacting your medical professionals before deciding to book a face-to-face. Is this true? Or is it just an intention? Or, do they just book a face to face, regardless?

I suppose I am wondering whether or not I will have to have a WCA and how long I might have to wait.

Thank you.

Libra