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ESA review
- Each day as it comes
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3 years 11 months ago #259484 by Each day as it comes
ESA review was created by Each day as it comes
Hi,
I've been on ESA for 10 years and in the Support Group for much of this time (which I am still in). I was last reassessed in Sept 2019 for ESA and was told to expect to be reassessed in 2 years, despite evidence I submitted from medical professionals within this time informing them that I'd be unlikely to experience any significant change in my symptoms within the next 5 years. I am expecting the ESA review forms at the end of next month, assuming the same time frame as two years ago. I am currently planning how to obtain supporting medical evidence again, including from a new local OT who has been working closely with me for most of the year so far, and wondering what if anything I need to change in what I ask people for, given that much of my health conditions have remained the same or deteriorated (in the case of my mobility) and some things I understand better and can be more articulate about. I don't think anything on the supporting evidence is inaccurate, although there are now extra things that could be said and potentially another person's evidence (a local OT who's seen me in person many times this year, on top of the specialist OT who's an expert in one of my health conditions and known me 9 years and with whom I'm due for a yearly review with in a few weeks time and always writes great supporting letters)
Some speccific questions I have are:
Have the ESA review forms changed at all in the last two years?
Are the reassessments still on track for the same timing and/or is there anything else that I should be aware of when requesting written support from people and/ or filling in my own forms again?
Do you have any written guidance available to share with professionals for when requesting supporting evidence?
Previous supporting letters for me have always requested that I am assessed at home rather than at a centre, due to my physical limitations, including stamina, that affect my ability to travel. What is the situation at the moment with regards to assessments and should this still be included as a request, if I'm unable to travel? Are assessments all / mainly on the phone at the moment anyway?
If my previous assessments were paper based, rather than in person, is it likely that I will be given just a paper-based assessment again, or is it really unpredictable?
I think that's it for my questions at the moment!
Many thanks for you time.
I've been on ESA for 10 years and in the Support Group for much of this time (which I am still in). I was last reassessed in Sept 2019 for ESA and was told to expect to be reassessed in 2 years, despite evidence I submitted from medical professionals within this time informing them that I'd be unlikely to experience any significant change in my symptoms within the next 5 years. I am expecting the ESA review forms at the end of next month, assuming the same time frame as two years ago. I am currently planning how to obtain supporting medical evidence again, including from a new local OT who has been working closely with me for most of the year so far, and wondering what if anything I need to change in what I ask people for, given that much of my health conditions have remained the same or deteriorated (in the case of my mobility) and some things I understand better and can be more articulate about. I don't think anything on the supporting evidence is inaccurate, although there are now extra things that could be said and potentially another person's evidence (a local OT who's seen me in person many times this year, on top of the specialist OT who's an expert in one of my health conditions and known me 9 years and with whom I'm due for a yearly review with in a few weeks time and always writes great supporting letters)
Some speccific questions I have are:
Have the ESA review forms changed at all in the last two years?
Are the reassessments still on track for the same timing and/or is there anything else that I should be aware of when requesting written support from people and/ or filling in my own forms again?
Do you have any written guidance available to share with professionals for when requesting supporting evidence?
Previous supporting letters for me have always requested that I am assessed at home rather than at a centre, due to my physical limitations, including stamina, that affect my ability to travel. What is the situation at the moment with regards to assessments and should this still be included as a request, if I'm unable to travel? Are assessments all / mainly on the phone at the moment anyway?
If my previous assessments were paper based, rather than in person, is it likely that I will be given just a paper-based assessment again, or is it really unpredictable?
I think that's it for my questions at the moment!
Many thanks for you time.
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- LL26
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3 years 11 months ago #259497 by LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by LL26 on topic ESA review
Hi H,
To try and answer your questions.
I don't think the ESA forms gave changed, but to be honest I haven't actually seen one recently.
Getting a report from either or both OTs will certainly help, particularly if they can make direct comments in eg walking ability, ability to grip and to lift things etc.
Your previous forms were clearly successful, so you could copy what is written there, adding anything that shows deterioration as required.
Although assessments are currently done via phone, I believe that face to face ones are about to recommence. Presumabky last time you got a doctor's note saying you couldn't attend face to face. This obviously worked too. So I suggest that as soon as you get the form, get a letter from the GP to ask for paper assessment again, as before.
Of course your next review may not be done just yet, and the forms, assessment etc may easily change at any time. Check everything again when you need to do the review just to make sure!
If you haven't already, make sure you keep copies of everything. Also, re-read the members guides as law can also change.
Keeping a diary if your disabilities at the time of amy review, and a contemporaneous visit to the GP or at least a phone chat is also a good idea. This means you can confidently know your limitations at the review time, and there is some record with the GP.
I hope that clarifies things somewhat.
LL26
To try and answer your questions.
I don't think the ESA forms gave changed, but to be honest I haven't actually seen one recently.
Getting a report from either or both OTs will certainly help, particularly if they can make direct comments in eg walking ability, ability to grip and to lift things etc.
Your previous forms were clearly successful, so you could copy what is written there, adding anything that shows deterioration as required.
Although assessments are currently done via phone, I believe that face to face ones are about to recommence. Presumabky last time you got a doctor's note saying you couldn't attend face to face. This obviously worked too. So I suggest that as soon as you get the form, get a letter from the GP to ask for paper assessment again, as before.
Of course your next review may not be done just yet, and the forms, assessment etc may easily change at any time. Check everything again when you need to do the review just to make sure!
If you haven't already, make sure you keep copies of everything. Also, re-read the members guides as law can also change.
Keeping a diary if your disabilities at the time of amy review, and a contemporaneous visit to the GP or at least a phone chat is also a good idea. This means you can confidently know your limitations at the review time, and there is some record with the GP.
I hope that clarifies things somewhat.
LL26
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- newcastle1949
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3 years 11 months ago #259501 by newcastle1949
SWEETHEART
Replied by newcastle1949 on topic ESA review
Hi H
My review was due last month and after reading another members post who had contacted the DWP for the same reason she was told her review had been looked at and extended for 2 years without having to complete forms, my carer rang DWP (i had to give permission and go through security first) and she was told the same, new review date 2023 no forms, so if you are able to maybe ring and ask if yours has been extended, might alleviate some anxiety for you, but preparation is important as you know getting all of your ducks lined up in preparation for the review.
Good luck
Best Wishes
My review was due last month and after reading another members post who had contacted the DWP for the same reason she was told her review had been looked at and extended for 2 years without having to complete forms, my carer rang DWP (i had to give permission and go through security first) and she was told the same, new review date 2023 no forms, so if you are able to maybe ring and ask if yours has been extended, might alleviate some anxiety for you, but preparation is important as you know getting all of your ducks lined up in preparation for the review.
Good luck
Best Wishes
SWEETHEART
The following user(s) said Thank You: Each day as it comes, Gary
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- Each day as it comes
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3 years 11 months ago #259547 by Each day as it comes
Replied by Each day as it comes on topic ESA review
Thanks very much. Really kind of you to share that information with me.
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- Francis
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3 years 11 months ago #259551 by Francis
Replied by Francis on topic ESA review
My ESA review due in July 2021 & I phoned the other day & told it is now deferred to July 2023.
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