× Members

ESA Assessment arrangements

More
6 years 8 months ago #193000 by dizzyduck
ESA Assessment arrangements was created by dizzyduck
My husband has spinal issues, had surgery, also other health problems including severe literacy issues, cant work although did physical work for 30 yrs. Been on ESA. I'm an electric wheelchair user. I filled in his re-assessment form but hes now been sent a letter for a f2f assessment - at Neasden, on the 2nd floor. Because of fire regs this is not an option for either of us (I need to be with him), so I rang - the nearest centres (we're in NW London) with ground floor accessible rooms and parking (no, surprisingly public transport isnt an option!) seemingly are Luton, Wimbledon or even Canterbury!! Marylebone has accessible rooms but no parking. I was told we could have a taxi IF our GP wrote a letter, but that means getting an appointment with a GP, probably paying for the letter, and waiting for the letter, then sending it. We eventually said Ok to Luton although he'll be in incredible pain by the time we get there. Then I asked to record the assessment, was told I needed to ring a different office and the appointment we made momentarily before was cancelled. I rang the different office - went through the same conversations & basically came down to having to go to Marylebone, at specific times as recording can only happen in those times - but was advised we cannot now change the appointment as we've already cancelled one.... We're going to have to drive into central London, worrying about the assessment and my husband hates busy traffic or not knowing routes etc, then find parking in Westminster, where the Blue Badge doesnt mean much in just over a weeks time. i wrote all our needs re an assessment on the form - seems it didnt mean much. He's 62 with a variety of health issues - he cant do manual work, and has letters from physios and consultants to that effect, but also cant do office type work - what is there?! He's been through the Jobcentre schemes, tried working part time but it made his worse. He "looks" big & strong so I have little doubt of the outcome of this assessment although on paper he gets more than enough points. Emailed my MP - although unsure what he, as a leading Conservative, can do! Just so stressed, as I am a full time wheelchair user and have ME as well - I also worked for 20 yrs but had to stop as my health deteriorated. I'm really just venting here - the whole system is awful and unnecessary - the icing on the cake is the lack of accessible, disability friendly, disability assessment centres anywhere locally. I'm going to try to find your guides to the f2f itself but my energy levels are already flagging. Wish us luck although I suspect its already decided. any tips appreciated!

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
6 years 8 months ago #193045 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA Assessment arrangements
dizzyduck

There's a section at the back of the ESA Claim guide that covers the assessment process and the questions likely to be asked.

You still have the option of a home assessment but you will need your husband's GP to write to CHDA explaining why he cannot attend at their offices.

Gordon

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserjimmckChris
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.