ESA assessment. What should I expect?

G8311374

I have an ESA assessment next week (12 week review). I am signed off by my gp for 6 months for depression anxiety and PTSD which I have had since returning from Iraq in 2005. What should I expect in this medical? Thanks.

tameside

Expect to be passed as fit for work, then appeal.

G8311374

What does the medical involve?

tameside

I don't really know what tasks you will be asked to do. I just know that a large percentage of people 'pass' the test and are found fit to do 'some kind of work'.

I have heard of 1 person who was asked to pick a pencil up and read a chart on the wall (probably more involved than that). He was passed fit despite having recent heart surgery.

tomjonesrules

tameside, you seem to want to frighten the OP rather than answering their question?

Helen, you will be asked various questions about what you do day to day, for instance do you watch television, read books etc? You may also be asked about any medication you take, and any other treatment you are having.

Are you in touch with Combat Stress at all? They have been very supportive of a friend with PTSD, both in terms of benefit advice and providing respite.

G8311374

Yes I am in touch with them and their support has been good but they haven't been able to advise as to the assessment other than to just be myself.

sleepless_saver

Here is the very brief description the government provides. Have a look at the descriptors that will be used in the assessment, if you haven't already.

tomjonesrules

helenbolland wrote: »

Yes I am in touch with them and their support has been good but they haven't been able to advise as to the assessment other than to just be myself.

That is pretty good advice TBH, if you over prepare you can end up tying yourself up in knots. Have a think about what you do on a day to day basis, your daily routine etc, but try not to plan for specific questions.

cit_k

If you can get your hands on a dictaphone, or have some other small recording device (phone for example) then I strongly recommend recording the assessment COVERTLY.

Under no circumstances tell them you are recording, nor let them see you are recording, or your medical will be halted and your benefit will cease (with no pay during appeal).

Keep the recording for evidence and future reference (its legal as long as its done covertly).

Once you have had the assessment, request a copy of the medical report from the DWP.

I would also recommend, at the end of the assessment asking the doctor to see a full copy of the medical report BEFORE it is sent to the decision maker at the DWP.

(ideally this will be captured on tape, and then you have grounds for a GMC complaint for them failing to do so, as they will refuse)

Be honest, expect to have to appeal though, if you dont need to great, but at least your prepared just in case.

Also, try to read your copy of the medical report when in a reasonable state of mind, its not good to read one if feeling very bad at the time, the shock of the fiction that is likely can be rather damaging to your mental health.

cabbage

Bear in mind you may be observed in the waiting area and coming into the building to see how you cope with stairs, sitting still etc. Have a look at the descriptors for an idea on the sorts of things you will ask for.

Not sure if you are allowed to covertly record someone or need to have their permission.

cit_k

helenbolland wrote: »

What does the medical involve?

Firstly, its not what you would consider a normal medical.

They are not going to examine you medically, nor confirm any diagnosis etc.

They simply talk to you and ask you questions.

The assessor will be using a computer terminal which points them towards what type of questions they can ask, and they fill in replies based on *(in theory, but often not in practice) what you tell them.

They are asking you easy questions so they can find out what you do, so the software can use examples of your activities to deny or award points.

Just be honest, and expect an appeal (unless your lucky).