ESA & DLA

chris o wrote:

since being medically retired from my job as i was no longer fit for work, ive been on DLA for 10yrs, receiving higher rates for mobility & care. i am in the process of being transferred to ESA from IB (have the ESA50)..

although my illnesses havent changed in the last 10yrs, some of the treatments & medications have varied over time. and i have also had other complications and surgery since then.. do i still have to inform DWP.. will they still have all the info i sent 10yrs ago? and will they be comparing the DLA & ESA50 forms..?

The DWP will have access to any previous reports on your condition, subject to their data retention policy. I don't have statistics for it, but many B&W members who have been transferred have done so based on their previous medical evidence.

That said, when completing the ESA50 you should treat it as a new claim, and ensure you include full details of your condition.

With regard to informing the DLA unit, if there have been significant changes in your treatment or condition, you should inform them. I would suggest that an operation would fall under this heading.

There is a guide to DLA Change of Circumstances in the Members Only area.

Gordon

chris o wrote:

also, forgot to mention that i see a counsellor regularly for therapy, will this have an impact on how they will view sitting for a period of time - even though im still in pain and figdety..?

The ATOS "doctor" is taught to make assumptions, so you should make sure you qualify your answers as appropriate.

Gordon