Statement of reasons

I phoned and asked for my SOR a couple of weeks ago. I was told that I did not need it and sent a copy of the ESA85 instead. So I decided to put in a SAR - today I have received an envelope containing a copy of the ESA85 and nothing else!

I'm girding my loins for a long wait on the phone to try and find out what is going on. However, I have heard a couple of members recently say that they have had problems getting hold of the appropriate paperwork. I understand that DWP is overstretched at the moment, but it is very frustrating (and must actually be making more work for DWP anyway)!

Hi Mrs HB,

I have recently had success for someone by getting them to write to their MP. In the letter explaining the situation and pointing out that the person was not getting a satisfactory service from the DWP.

The person in question received the required information less than two weeks later and also a DWP ex gratia payment of £50

It's worth a try.

Pete

Thanks Pete, that is an idea. I have been in touch with my MP quite a lot in the lead-up to the WRB. He is true-blue Tory and wasn't interested in what I had to say at that time, it won't hurt him to learn that things are not running smoothly! I will try phoning DWP first, just to try and ascertain what is going on.

Mrs Hurtyback wrote:

Thanks Pete, that is an idea. I have been in touch with my MP quite a lot in the lead-up to the WRB. He is true-blue Tory and wasn't interested in what I had to say at that time, it won't hurt him to learn that things are not running smoothly! I will try phoning DWP first, just to try and ascertain what is going on.

Hi Mrs HB,

It doesn't seem to matter about the 'political colour' of the MP. In the case I mentioned, the MP was none other than the Foreign Secretary (Rt Hon W Hague MP)!!

Pete

I have had a very frustrating conversation with someone from DWP. I tried to explain what a 'subject access request' is, also what a 'statement of reasons' is and isn't (ie, it is not an ESA85)! I am now waiting for a call-back (don't worry, I am not holding my breath!).

If I don't get an sense then my next step will be to put in a formal complaint and copy in my MP. Please reassure me though - I am right in thinking that DWP should have more paperwork relating to my claim other than just the ESA85?

Mrs Hurtyback wrote:

I have had a very frustrating conversation with someone from DWP. I tried to explain what a 'subject access request' is, also what a 'statement of reasons' is and isn't (ie, it is not an ESA85)! I am now waiting for a call-back (don't worry, I am not holding my breath!).

If I don't get an sense then my next step will be to put in a formal complaint and copy in my MP. Please reassure me though - I am right in thinking that DWP should have more paperwork relating to my claim other than just the ESA85?

Hi Mrs HB,

Sorry for the delayed response - I was out at a case conference all afternoon.

Yes, there are other documents as well as the ESA85/85A. Looking at a case file I am currently working on there is the following:

ESA1 (Initial Claim form)
ESA50 (LCW Questionnaire)
LT54(DMACR)- (DM's Decision Record)
BRA1.doc - (Prognosis/Outcome/Letters record)
ESA85A - (Medical Report Form completed by ADA).
ESA113 (GP Factual Report)

Also:

Tax Record
Full Computer Print out
Other Sundry letters and forms.


A tip that seems to work is to also ask for a copy of your ESA50/ESA1 as well as the other paperwork. It is easy to print off an 85 as it is on the computer (just press 'print'). However for other things they will need to physically pull the file from the repository.

Asking for a copy of your ESA50 (amongst the other bits) ensures they do have to physically pull the file in order to copy it. The other information requested should be there with the ESA50 making it easy for them to print it all off.

Pete