ESa - work focussed health assessment?

TrixieB

I applied over the phone for ESA yesterday and the lady on the line told me I would possibly be called for a medical - well I thought everybody pretty much was so she got that wrong?

Also she said that I would have to complete a work focussed health assessment - not come across this term before on here or googling for info about ESA - is it new?

Thanks in advance

rogerblack

She's wrong.
The requirements to undergo a Work focused health related assessment were suspended last year for two years, and on 1/6/11 revoked.
See http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/m-15-11.pdf http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch53.pdf - search for WFHRA.

TrixieB

That fills me with hope that she knows her job then - not!! think I'd better thoroughly check my copy of the form for errors...

MrsManda

I think she may have meant a Work Cabability Assessment - the questionnaire about your health problems you will get sent after filling out the application over the telephone.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_172012

TrixieB

Kind of worrying that she didn't know the right term for it though. Also she told me to fill in everything on a worst day scenario, I thought this wasn't advised - certainly as far as DLA applications go anyway, assume same should apply for ESA?

rogerblack

Filling in the form as if it was your worst day is not a good idea.
Simply as it may be easily disproved by evidence about your better days.
Having lied on the form will make any appeal _really_ problematic.

However. Not stated in many of the questions is 'repeatably, reliably, and safely, over the course of a working day'.

So, if you can on most days, walk 200m once, and then it exhausts you for the rest of the day, you would answer no to 'can I walk 200m' - and then detail why in the box. (this has changed to 'mobilise')

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/m-06-11.pdf are the full list of descriptors.
It's important to read and understand them, as the form does not always quite ask about them.

TrixieB

Yes I was surprised she said that, I wonder if it would be an idea to "complain" about the advice given? luckily the calls are recorded