GP’s letter of support

A few weeks ago, I consulted my GP about my progressive and mulply disabling condition and my concerns about transfer from SDA to ESA. I provided information about the requirements for entry to WRAG and Support Group. I believe I fit several LCWRA descriptors. My GP kindly said she was willing to providing supporting evidence now rather than wait for notice of the transfer process. I collected the letter today. I’m in tears as I type, not knowing what to do next. There’s not doubt the letter is well-intentioned but it scarcely describes the severity of my disability and nowhere does it mention capacity to work or engage in work related activity. It appears almost useless. My first thought was to write a polite letter to my GP, pointing out where she has gone “wrong” in relation to ESA. However, the relation who acts as my full time carer is calling me an embarrassment and that she will have to change her GP practice if I go ahead and point out the problems with the letter. I don’t want to cause trouble for anybody. What on earth can I do?

It is entirely up to you. You could make a note of the descriptors that apply to you and ask if your GP is willing to write a letter referring to these, or you can wait and see whether DWP contact your GP themselves (they do this quite rarely) only going back to your GP if needed.

Would you rather go back to your GP now or would you refer to wait and see whether you get put into the 'correct' ESA group, only going back to your GP if you need to appeal?

It sounds as if your carer does not realise how much more difficult ESA is to claim compared with IB.

I just don’t know, Mrs HB. I have a pile of “evidence” in the form of very descriptive diagnostic letters from various teaching hospitals. Most of them are old but the condition is progressive. My well-intentioned GP did emphasise that point. My own pre-prepared answers to the relevant questions are detailed- some running to several sheets of A4. There are also multiple pages of additional information. If common sense were a factor in this process, I would certainly get into the SG.

I cannot write more today. Typing is difficult enough at the best of times but my carer is furious with me, mimicking my disability and threatening to leave our excellent GP practice because I am an embarrassment. I dread this action on her part because her own health is not good. I might speak with my GP about ESA and evidence when I need to consult her about something else but I’d given her written information about the benefit and doubt I could clarify matters further.

MariW wrote: I just don’t know, Mrs HB. I have a pile of “evidence” in the form of very descriptive diagnostic letters from various teaching hospitals. Most of them are old but the condition is progressive. My well-intentioned GP did emphasise that point. My own pre-prepared answers to the relevant questions are detailed- some running to several sheets of A4. There are also multiple pages of additional information. If common sense were a factor in this process, I would certainly get into the SG.

I cannot write more today. Typing is difficult enough at the best of times but my carer is furious with me, mimicking my disability and threatening to leave our excellent GP practice because I am an embarrassment. I dread this action on her part because her own health is not good. I might speak with my GP about ESA and evidence when I need to consult her about something else but I’d given her written information about the benefit and doubt I could clarify matters further.

Hi MW,

Try not to get too distressed regarding this.

Many G.P.'s will not provide any form of letter of support, and when they do it is mostly just a list of medical conditions and repeat meds.

A minority will go into detail regarding descriptors, etc.

Even if a G.P. is sent an ESA113 which is the exception rather than the rule, this questionnaire is not exactly detailed either.

ESA 113 Questionnaire

bro58

I am not sure but I think I would provide information to your Carers supervisor re the poor quality attitude you are receiving from this poorly trained carer. If it is one you have employed, Get rid of pronto and employ a more suitable person. No one should mimic your disability or complain loudly as this carer has done. Remove from premise immediately

pusscatsmum wrote: I am not sure but I think I would provide information to your Carers supervisor re the poor quality attitude you are receiving from this poorly trained carer. If it is one you have employed, Get rid of pronto and employ a more suitable person. No one should mimic your disability or complain loudly as this carer has done. Remove from premise immediately

Hi pcm,

The carer is a relative :

" However, the relation who acts as my full time carer"

From :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=top...d=10&id=97779#103114

So I don't think sacking them is applicable.

bro58