ESA - copies of evidence used in the decision

Zziggi

I wonder if anyone can help me please?

My OH got his ESA forms a few months ago. We filled the forms in, sent loads of evidence with the forms and he got a letter back saying he was in the support group without a face-to-face assessment. Obviously we are relieved but I want to know is can we get copies of any information they got from my OHs consultants or GP? What do I ask for? Can I get a copy of the ATOS report so we have an idea of the prognosis(according to ATOS, so we can gauge how long OH has before he goes through it again). Does this document have a particular name?

Thanks in advance

rogerblack

The easiest way is to request a full copy of the entire file.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/privacy-policy/data-protection/

I recommend doing this at least every year, as they destroy old data.

In addition, you need to ask for a 'statement of reasons'.
This will more fully explain how the decision was made.

Anubis_2

Roger, would that information - the full copy - contain everything, including statement of reasons, and GP forms?

rogerblack

Anubis wrote: »

Roger, would that information - the full copy - contain everything, including statement of reasons, and GP forms?

It's a copy of all documents relating to your ESA claim that they hold about you.

It will not usually include a statement of reasons - as these are not generally produced until requested.
If one's been requested and generated, then yes.

Zziggi

Thank you for this information. Much appreciated!