Supporting letter/evidence for first ESA form

Hi,

I’m new to this site, and have found the site very helpful indeed. It is fantastic that someone has put this together so people may be helped with their benefit problems.

Thank you.

I have a query about ESA.

I currently suffer with Bipolar, agoraphobia, and social anxiety.

I am very stressed and worried at the moment. I am currently on Income Support and DLA. I am still waiting anxiously for any sign of an ESA form or the first introductory letter from the DWP to say they will be making the transition to ESA

It could happen at any moment and I am gathering as much information as I can to help me for when the time comes.

I would like to know when you get the first ESA form, what sort of evidence should you provide with it?

For example what exactly should be in the GP’s letter, Psychiatrists letter and CPN and support worker letter?

I couldn’t find and information on this matter and it would be helpful to me in preparation for this form and may be to others.

Thank you

suzy123 wrote:

Hi,

I’m new to this site, and have found the site very helpful indeed. It is fantastic that someone has put this together so people may be helped with their benefit problems.

Thank you.

I have a query about ESA.

I currently suffer with Bipolar, agoraphobia, and social anxiety.

I am very stressed and worried at the moment. I am currently on Income Support and DLA. I am still waiting anxiously for any sign of an ESA form or the first introductory letter from the DWP to say they will be making the transition to ESA

It could happen at any moment and I am gathering as much information as I can to help me for when the time comes.

I would like to know when you get the first ESA form, what sort of evidence should you provide with it?

For example what exactly should be in the GP’s letter, Psychiatrists letter and CPN and support worker letter?

I couldn’t find and information on this matter and it would be helpful to me in preparation for this form and may be to others.

Thank you

Hi s123,

After the initial Conversion Notice ("Migration Letter") and the subsequent "courtesy phonecall", you will then receive an ESA50 Questionnaire.

The PDF version can be downloaded from the link on this FAQ :

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

You could even start filling it in now to ease time constraints when you receive the hard copy version through the post, whilst referring to our ESA claims guides, (Mental health issues and physical health issues) which are the 3rd and 4th links down this page.

ESA Guides

If possible any letters of support from your G.P. or other treating HCP should draw reference to how you qualify for ESA in either The WRAG or SG, by fulfilling the relevant descriptors, see :

Qualifying for the Support Group

Qualifying for the WRAG

Copies of any such extra evidence should then be sent with your ESA50.

Hope this helps.

bro58

Hi s123,

Please remember also that to qualify for The SG, it is not enough to be classed as "unfit for work", in that you would have Limited Capability for Work, (LCW). Having LCW only places you in The WRAG of ESA.

For entry to The SG, you must also show that you have Limited Capability for Work Related Activity,(LCWRA) which obviously includes attendance and participation of :

Work Focussed Interviews

And/Or the :

Work Programme

Many people get confused by this issue.

bro58

Hi Suzy, I am in the support group and also have social anxiety so I made sure that the descriptor concerning social engagement being precluded was supported by a psychiatric letter with the words 'social phobia' clearly stated. Good luck.