dealing with dwp

Hi,

Can you tell me how long I should wait to receive the esa form. I received a letter telling me of the changeover from IB to ESA two weeks ago, and that they would be phoning me soon. My family contacted them on my behalf as I was too ill to talk on the phone and would like all future contact to be done in writing. I have heard nothing since, should I wait for them to send the form to me, or should I contact them to ask about it?

Also, my other query is about the 'repeatedly, reliably and safely' info. I know its been said that if you cannot do an activity repeatedly etc, then consider that you cannot do it. Yet elsewhere I heard that a person needs to be wary about ticking 'it varies' too many times, and that their experience however is that the assessment does not take this into account and if someone can do a particular descriptor, even just once, in pain, then the assessor will determine no problem with that particular descriptor. The assessment process is extremely flawed and we are experiencing many cases where people have to appeal against the findings of that assessment and take their case to an independent
tribunal.

I am confused about what to put in the 'space' boxes, and whether to fill them to capacity or just keep it simple and straight to the point. Also if I put that for the majority of the time I am unable to do any activity, but at odd times I can do it but will suffer pain and further deterioration, does that mean I tick no, or it varies.

Sorry if this sounds confusing and Im hoping you can understand what Im trying to say.

Thanks gordon,

I dont know what Id do without this site to ramble on to during these stressful times. I genuinely think I am actually losing my mind.

Is it your experience though that the assessment people will view that if someone can do a particular descriptor, even just once, and in pain, then the assessor will determine there is no problem with that particular descriptor?

Thanks again to the advice guru's

Thanks gordon,

My situation is that for the majority of the each day I am unable to do the activity, but at brief times I could just about manage but it would cause further pain and exhaustion etc, but should I still mention it or leave it out?

Also I am thinking that I will send a copy of the online esa form to the dwp, but it prints out to be 20 pages long, and will only be held together with a few staples. Is it safe to send it this way or is there a risk of pages going missing?

Hi gordon,

This is my second post as the first one does not seem to have shown up.

My conditions affects my ability to do things for the majority of the time, but at odd times in each day I can just about manage to do it but suffer pain etc, and further deterioration. So is it better to mention it or leave it out, if its within each day and not once a week?

Also, I am thinking of sending a copy of the online esa form to the dwp, but it prints out to be 20 pages long, and will only be held together with a few staples. Is it safe to do this or is there a risk of pages going missing.