ESA50 - Some advice please

Surely if you're a recluse and they hold the fact you haven't seen your Dr against you that would be discrimination on the basis of your disability which is illegal. I think you can still make a good case. If you have no evidence from professionals perhaps family or a friend could provide a statement supporting what you say. Good luck.

ShootingStar wrote:

Surely if you're a recluse and they hold the fact you haven't seen your Dr against you that would be discrimination on the basis of your disability which is illegal. I think you can still make a good case. If you have no evidence from professionals perhaps family or a friend could provide a statement supporting what you say. Good luck.

Yes SS,

That is a good idea, if a letter detailing the normal day to day routines, and how the medical conditions cause the limitations could be obtained, and included with the ESA50.

Quite a lot of members have included such a letter.

bro58

Just an update and some more advice please. Had to attend a medical which I just about managed to do with help but anyway didn't go well. Got the letter nearly 2 weeks ago dated 8 May sure enough 0 points. That shellshocked done nothing for days until finally forced myself to the doctors. He was great gave me a fit note and told me if I get help with the appeal and they contact him he'll write a letter of support.

My last benefit payment is tomorrow so I need to get the fit note and appeal in as soon as possible. The GL24 form asks for the name of your representative but I haven't yet got any representation and having made an enquiry just now the first appointment I can get is the start of June.

My questions are what do I put in the form as I want them to know I will be getting help? Do I send a photocopy of my fit note? As they will be getting the fit note after my benefit has stopped will the assessment rate payment dates be taken from the fit note?

And finally will the welfare rights people definitely contact my doctor and if he does supply a letter do I have to send it somewhere? Sorry for the longwinded effort.

There is no need to go into great detail on the GL24, a simple statement e.g. I do not
feel the Decision Maker has taken account the extent of my condition, further evidence to follow.

As it appears you are having advice from a welfare rights organisation, you need to ask them if they will be contacting your GP.

No the problem I have is I have no welfare rights representation and having just phoned them they said the earliest appointment I can get is around the 7th June which would be too late to then appeal. She also said I could go ahead and fill the GL24 myself but then I would have to represent myself or ask for a postponement so I could then get welfare advice representation.

But obviously I need to get the fit note in straight away and I don't want to just represent myself and I haven't a clue how complicated or difficult it is to get a postponement. I have no idea what I should do.