Confused about changes.

iluvmarmite

My sister has been on long term IB for nine years now, she also gets the higher rate DLA of both components. She doesnt need sick notes any more and hasnt done for a long time now.

She had to undergo several medical tests with various doctors who were employed by the DWP.

So far she has heard nothing from the DWP about the new ESA thingy but from what I gather reading this forum it will only be a matter of time. As she has been deemed unfit for work through DWP doctors does this mean she will still have to go through the dreaded medical tests again for the new changes? Her condition has not changed in over 9 years now and its not expected to change either, She can not walk unaided, and has to use a wheelchair when she goes out, she uses the mobility part of her DLA for a car, which her Husband drives her around in, she is renewing it in July this year for another 3 years, will this be taken away from her.

I have read some horror stories about this ATOS medical tests and they seem to deem anyone and everyone fit for work just to make themselves look good, but theres no way my sister is fit for work, she can barely stand up on her own.

She is very worried about things and is really scared about getting a letter about it, but does everyone have to change on to it, even if they are claiming high rate DLA and have been on IB for years with no sick note required any more?

jetta_wales

This would be best placed in 'Dissability and Dosh' for the most replies I think.

iluvmarmite

ok thanks I will move it now

dmg24

jetta_wales wrote: »

This would be best placed in 'Dissability and Dosh' for the most replies I think.

Last time I checked IB and ESA were benefits and this board is for help and advice on benefits. Why do you think the thread would be better placed elsewhere?

dmg24

iluvmarmite wrote: »

My sister has been on long term IB for nine years now, she also gets the higher rate DLA of both components. She doesnt need sick notes any more and hasnt done for a long time now.

She had to undergo several medical tests with various doctors who were employed by the DWP.

So far she has heard nothing from the DWP about the new ESA thingy but from what I gather reading this forum it will only be a matter of time. As she has been deemed unfit for work through DWP doctors does this mean she will still have to go through the dreaded medical tests again for the new changes? Her condition has not changed in over 9 years now and its not expected to change either, She can not walk unaided, and has to use a wheelchair when she goes out, she uses the mobility part of her DLA for a car, which her Husband drives her around in, she is renewing it in July this year for another 3 years, will this be taken away from her.

I have read some horror stories about this ATOS medical tests and they seem to deem anyone and everyone fit for work just to make themselves look good, but theres no way my sister is fit for work, she can barely stand up on her own.

She is very worried about things and is really scared about getting a letter about it, but does everyone have to change on to it, even if they are claiming high rate DLA and have been on IB for years with no sick note required any more?

The only people that will not be moved to ESA are those approaching retirement age. How old is your sister?

Not everyone that transfers over will have to have a medical, however everyone will have to go through the assessment process. Some will be assessed on existing evidence (this is unlikely if she has not had a review for some time), and some will pass the assessment on the basis of their review form and supporting evidence.

If there is anything else you need to know, feel free to ask.

iluvmarmite

Hi dmg, my sister is 52 so not of retirement age just yet. She hasnt had an assesment in quite a number of years so it looks like she will need one, thats not a problem as they will see what state shes in, its just the trauma of having to go to these places and have them asking her to do all sorts, when she saw the last doctor she had to raise her arms and try and touch her nose and do all sorts of stupid things. At first she was awarded DLA for 3 years I believe it was, but then they wrote to her and said it was going to be changed to indefinite. Oh well I guess its just a waiting game now and at least she will be expecting it and be prepared.

jetta_wales

dmg24 wrote: »

Last time I checked IB and ESA were benefits and this board is for help and advice on benefits. Why do you think the thread would be better placed elsewhere?

Because it is specifically about disability benefits, obviously. The disabled are usually the ones to know the most about the subject.

No need to be pedantic my coment was meant to be helpful not critical.

healy

dmg24 wrote: »

Last time I checked IB and ESA were benefits and this board is for help and advice on benefits. Why do you think the thread would be better placed elsewhere?

Plus this board is viewed by more people who are likely to know the answers than on D and D.

dmg24

iluvmarmite wrote: »

Hi dmg, my sister is 52 so not of retirement age just yet. She hasnt had an assesment in quite a number of years so it looks like she will need one, thats not a problem as they will see what state shes in, its just the trauma of having to go to these places and have them asking her to do all sorts, when she saw the last doctor she had to raise her arms and try and touch her nose and do all sorts of stupid things. At first she was awarded DLA for 3 years I believe it was, but then they wrote to her and said it was going to be changed to indefinite. Oh well I guess its just a waiting game now and at least she will be expecting it and be prepared.

It may still be possible for her to get through without a medical, but those instances will be rare. If she is unable to leave the house it is possible to arrange a home medical.

jetta_wales wrote: »

Because it is specifically about disability benefits, obviously. The disabled are usually the ones to know the most about the subject.

No need to be pedantic my coment was meant to be helpful not critical.

The disabled tend to have anecdotal stories about their own claims. This can be very dangerous, as they may not apply to the individual asking the question. Much better to deal with facts, rather than 'this is what happened to me ...'