ESA50 Questionnaire

Hi all - a little nervous, just joined my first forum!
Can anyone please give me any pointers as how to complete this dreaded Questionnaire. I have Fibromyalgia/CFS & RA for good measure! I'm finding that this Form is definitely not designed for people suffering from the above.

It can be difficult to put the necessary information across on an ESA50 to show how you qualify for ESA. Take a look at our guides to ESA and work out what you think you should get points for and ensure that that information is included either on your ESA50 or as an appendix.

Thanks for this, will download the guide, bedtime reading me thinks!

Hi Twinkle
Welcome to B&W. The guides on this site are excellent. Do look also at the guide for mental health as well as the one for physical health.
Re CFS do look at the report on fluctuating conditions www.forward-me.org.uk/Reports/Fluctuatin...ons_report_FINAL.pdf
as well as the websites of organisations specific to your illnesses.
Good luck
mayflower

Hi Mayflower
Thank you for the welcome and for directing me to the Report.
It was a very interesting read and a true reflection of what it's like to have fluctuating conditions. Really hope that D.W.P. take note (preferably before my assessment)!

Hi Twinkle
The DWP won't be incorporating any of the recommendations in the Fluctuating Conditions Report until Harrington considers it along with other reports as part of his follow up review on the WAC & gives his recommendations to the Govt.
In the meantime, there is no reason why some of the findings/recommendation in the FC Report, where applicable, cannot be quoted in your ESA50 in support of how you are affected by your illnesses/disabilities.
I quoted a few things from it ie on wheelchair use & Lord Freud's statement in the House of Lords debate re: the ability/inability to do for the majority of time any of the tasks under the descriptors, 'reliably, repeatedly & safely' & within a reasonable period of time.
I was placed in the Support Group this year, having previously been in the WRAG last year. I'm still waiting to receive the HCP report & the DM's decision to see exactly which of the Support Group conditions I was judged to have met.
Good luck with your claim
mayflower