Support Group

Hi -- I'm also wondering what I can ask a doctor for re supporting evidence. I can't see that she can do much more than simply say I'm as ill as I say I am. I don't have a long list of consultants to add to that.

Plus I'm assuming I also need a separate letter to ask for a home assessment. Cannot understand how time-pressured docs are supposed to come up with all this paperwork, particularly as you say, you still get shafted.


I haven't had a "live" ESA50 yet but have spent a terrible 18 months preparing one with B&W notes as I'm too ill to complete one in the time allowed, and could be effectively wiped out by all the ins and outs of an appeal process.

Variety is the spice of life.

i dont think anyone, like my slef, in the surport group feels safe, its more like a longer rope

Well Done David W and best of luck to you sir. I scored high on my medical well over 50 points and was put into the working group so I also went to tribunal and today got the news that I am now in the support group. If any of you think you should be in the support group stick with your beliefs and don't be put off by them. Sure they will try to put you off but in the end if you are genuine you will prevail. Best wishes to you all for Xmas and the new year.

Hello pollenpath, There was a section at the back of my esa50 form that I had to take to my GP to complete. Unfortunately, her comments were 'general' and not specific enough. She had put that I need help going to the loo, with preparing meals and need someone with me outside. She had also put that I have headaches/migraines but could have explained that I have between 2 to five a week and they last all day and through the night and don't respond to medication. I had also attached a copy of a consultant's letter from England (I live in France) stating that I am severely disabled and that my condition is permanent but I have been told that I need an up to date letter. I have seen a spinal traumatology specialist here recently but as the esa50 form had to be in I didn't have the opportunity to ask him otherwise the form would have been late. I have since asked him for a report and will send it to the international pension service who sent me the form when I receive it.

I would have thought your GP could write you a letter of support without the need of a request from the DWP. It may surely help with the stress and anxiety levels that all this esa stuff causes if you feel your GP is helping you.

Thank you cochondinde for responding to my question

I have an appointment with my GP a week before my ESA50 is due back and so I'm going to have it completed by then (or as much of it as I can manage) and copy the whole thing and ask him if he'll skim read it and write me a supporting letter. I'm a migraine sufferer too and I'm going to ask him to go into some detail if he agrees to write a letter, then hopefully they won't penalise me for not supplying enough documentation. I'm sorry you've had to provide more evidence but I hope it'll get you the benefit you need and deserve. Best of luck.