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Worried after ESA telephone appointment

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4 years 4 months ago #254343 by Carla11
Hi all - I had a long post all typed out but I timed out and it vanished. Long story short I had an ESA assessment by phone today and the HP insisted that I do the assessment despite having no support and being only 2 days since I got the appointment letter. The HP focussed on only two of my health conditions (mental and arthritis) and avoided discussion regarding my other conditions that have a long term impact on my ability to carry out daily living tasks. There is more than 10 separate health conditions listed on my record - all have a substantial effect on my life and I got upset because I was not allowed to fully discuss any of them in my rushed hour long appointment where I was routinely cut off by the HP and asked to slow down so she can type my answers without consideration of the fact HP had been warned I talk faster and get upset easily when anxious. I am failing to see how HP will be able to provide an accurate report on my ability to function as I have been largely housebound due to being in high risk group during COVID-19 pandemic and as a result lost my face to face support services and home help and majority contact with other human beings and she did not ask sufficient questions about my life and how I manage to be able to do so. I am frightened I will be considered fit for work despite struggling to move or function to an acceptable standard, and also struggling with long term intensive mental health therapy three days a week (currently limited to online sessions only). Any advice or suggestions gratefully accepted.

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4 years 4 months ago #254348 by Gary
Replied by Gary on topic Worried after ESA telephone appointment
Hi Carla

I've moved your post to its own topic, we ask members not to post their questions in other member's topics as it can lead to the wrong advice being given or taken.

I am not sure from your post, but I assume this assessment was for a review, if it was, what group were you in?

The HP may have all the relevant information from what information you sent in and was only concentrating where there was less information or they needed additional information. You will only know when you contact DWP and ask for a copy of the assessors report.

Unlike PIP you usually have to wait until a decision has been made but we do live in strange times so you may want to give ESA a ring for an update, and whilst on the phone you could also request a copy of The ESA85 Medical Report which would have been compiled by The Assessor at your phone assessment and sent to The DWP ESA DM who makes the final decision.

Check out our guides if you have not already done so: www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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