Can you still get ESA if your descriptor score is under 15

luminated

Last week I had never even heard of ESA and have read so much since my brain is ready to explode. Much of which has been on this board - a big thanks to all.

During the past week I have spoken to Job Centre twice, CAB twice, NI Office and telephoned in my ESA claim. I had the paperwork back today, sent the outstanding information back including my 'unfit to work' note.

I was worrying my GP would be a problem but not at all. In fact he said it was clear I was not fit to work at all.

So now getting prepared for the next form covering my medical responses. After reading about this stage it suddenly struck me - what if I get awarded under 15 points:eek: In that case can I still get awarded ESA. I say this as I know I couldn't work even part time and my GP agrees with this.

NASA_2

There are circumstances that people under 15 points can still be awarded main phase ESA.

Hospitalisation, certain diseases, certain stages of pregnancy are just some of the circumstances.

luminated

NASA wrote: »

There are circumstances that people under 15 points can still be awarded main phase ESA.

Hospitalisation, certain diseases, certain stages of pregnancy are just some of the circumstances.

Yes I have just been reading the list but I don't fit in any of the catagories. Thanks for replying so quickly.

rinabean

Then you have to appeal. It's what I'm doing right now. You have my sympathy!

System

NASA, is it 10 points for MH claim or have i got my wires crossed?

NASA_2

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

NASA, is it 10 points for MH claim or have i got my wires crossed?

15 for everything on ESA.

There are some changes made every week so wouldnt surprise me if that changed somewhere along the line.

sunnyone

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

NASA, is it 10 points for MH claim or have i got my wires crossed?

No its 15 for MH, 10 was for IB.

luminated

rinabean wrote: »

Then you have to appeal. It's what I'm doing right now. You have my sympathy!

Good luck to you.

After reading up, on here, I fully expect to need to appeal.

A challenge but stressful but let us know how you get on?

NASA_2

luminated wrote: »

Good luck to you.

After reading up, on here, I fully expect to need to appeal.

A challenge but stressful but let us know how you get on?

The thing about this site is that people usually only come here if they have a problem with their claim, they have failed the medical or there is some other kink that they want advice on.

Very few people come here to say:

'Made my claim last November, passed the medical and my arrears came through within the week. Advice please?'

Then there are the professional whingers who never leave the site.

luminated

NASA wrote: »

The thing about this site is that people usually only come here if they have a problem with their claim, they have failed the medical or there is some other kink that they want advice on.

Very few people come here to say:

'Made my claim last November, passed the medical and my arrears came through within the week. Advice please?'

Then there are the professional whingers who never leave the site.

How very true indeed.:cool:

rogerblack

luminated wrote: »

Last week I had never even heard of ESA and have read so much since my brain is ready to explode. Much of which has been on this board - a big thanks to all.
<snip>
So now getting prepared for the next form covering my medical responses. After reading about this stage it suddenly struck me - what if I get awarded under 15 points:eek: In that case can I still get awarded ESA. I say this as I know I couldn't work even part time and my GP agrees with this.

Don't worry.
Brain exploded is worth 15 points.

More seriously.
There are straightforward easy to apply rules for people with terminal cancer and a very few other conditions that kick in and make you eligable even if you do not reach 15 points.

There is also a seperate clause, along the lines of 'It would be dangerous to the health of any person if the claimant was found not to have limited capacity for work'.

This is for example to cover conditions where the descriptors do not cover the disability, and there would be severe risk of the claimants physical condition being severely affected.

This is with regards to the 'work related activities group'.
To get into the support group, you need to match one of the descriptors only (there is also a similar clause as mentioned above)

See also http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch42.pdf - this is the eligability criteria as used by the decision makers.

I strongly advise you to read this (and other guides at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/specialist-guides/decision-makers-guide/#vol8 ) before completing the form.