Followed ESA50 instructions - scored 0 points...

Hi again,

I don't know whether any of these threads that came up when I put ME/CFS into the search engine, will be helpful, but you may wish to check. :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=adv...name=1&childforums=1

bro58

bro58 wrote:

MECFSrecovery wrote:

hi chrissy - sorry to hear about your troubles - it not much fun...

Bro58 - thanks for the links - I will read them now.

Your advice on qualifying for WRAG which I think is the sensible group for me - I need to score 15 points basically. My problem now is I expected to score points based on the 'It varies' descriptions I slavishly filled in for almost every answer. However I scored 0 points on ALL. In the ESA50 advice form on this site it said I think that you 'may score points' for this and I expected to because I mainly used 'It varies' to cover myself because occasionally I can do these tasks - however I cant really do them reliably or repeatedly. Now I dont really know where I stand because the truth is it DOES vary...

Maybe I just need to say 'no'.

Hi MECFS,

If it varies, then you are right to say that it does.

Remember, if a variable condition gives you limitations for the "Majority" of the time, then you should be awarded points.

i.e. The majority of the time for any 7 day period would be 3 days 12 Hours and 1 second, etc, etc.

It can help here to relate a typical day, breaking it down hour by hour within an average 24 hour period.

Further, to be classed as being able to carry out any action, you must be able to do so "Repeatedly, Reliably, and Safely" with "Reasonable Regularity"

bro58

ok well that gives me hope - because according to what you say I should DEFINITELY been awarded some points - and I cant believe I havent. I certainly cant carry out actions 'repeatedly' reliably and with reasonable regularity. Does this phrase exist in official DWP documentation? And the adivce for the points scoring of 'it varies'?

Also - sorry just one more - given I have 10 days left of my appeal month - should I try to get a doc note or just send the GL24 now? Thanks

MECFSrecovery wrote:

bro58 wrote:

MECFSrecovery wrote:

hi chrissy - sorry to hear about your troubles - it not much fun...

Bro58 - thanks for the links - I will read them now.

Your advice on qualifying for WRAG which I think is the sensible group for me - I need to score 15 points basically. My problem now is I expected to score points based on the 'It varies' descriptions I slavishly filled in for almost every answer. However I scored 0 points on ALL. In the ESA50 advice form on this site it said I think that you 'may score points' for this and I expected to because I mainly used 'It varies' to cover myself because occasionally I can do these tasks - however I cant really do them reliably or repeatedly. Now I dont really know where I stand because the truth is it DOES vary...

Maybe I just need to say 'no'.

Hi MECFS,

If it varies, then you are right to say that it does.

Remember, if a variable condition gives you limitations for the "Majority" of the time, then you should be awarded points.

i.e. The majority of the time for any 7 day period would be 3 days 12 Hours and 1 second, etc, etc.

It can help here to relate a typical day, breaking it down hour by hour within an average 24 hour period.

Further, to be classed as being able to carry out any action, you must be able to do so "Repeatedly, Reliably, and Safely" with "Reasonable Regularity"

bro58

ok well that gives me hope - because according to what you say I should DEFINITELY been awarded some points - and I cant believe I havent. I certainly cant carry out actions 'repeatedly' reliably and with reasonable regularity. Does this phrase exist in official DWP documentation? And the adivce for the points scoring of 'it varies'?

Also - sorry just one more - given I have 10 days left of my appeal month - should I try to get a doc note or just send the GL24 now? Thanks

Yes it is mentioned in legislation, it is also mentioned in the WCA Handbook, and is covered in our : ESA Claim Guides

With regards to submitting the GL24, you should ensure that it arrives at the DWP no later than 1 month after the date of the decision letter.

You should obtain your "Fit Note" Med 3 from your G.P. ASAP, and send to it to the Benefits Office that has been dealing with your ESA. G.P.'s are allowed to backdate MED 3's.

Keep copies of everything, put your name, DOB and NINO on any seperate pages, see this also :

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

bro58

Hi MECFS,

Thank you for your kind words, this all started for me in February, it just seems never ending. Once again Good luck with your appeal.

Chrissy V