Incapacity to ESA

beckimooney

Hi wondered if anyone out there can give me some advice? Have had sight problems since birth but did work from 16 till I was 30. Sight deteriorated even more so was medically finished by British Gas. Am registered blind. I have just had the form esa50 to fill in and wondered if there is anyone out there with sight problems filled one in. The questions don't really includeight, so how s that fir and how will it work for me/ don't even know were to get advice, Living nightmare

Valley's_girl

Hi Becki the CAB would be able to help with filling in the form for you.
I am waiting to be transferred over myself from income support.
Take care
ally xx

Lady_K

What about the RNIB website they should be able to advise and help you with things and guide you in the right direction with benefits

beckimooney

Hi thanks for your comment. Have been campaigning over cuts for the RNIB but unfortunately all they don't help with forms. They give you information but you can get ot off the net anyway.

skintmacflint

Pages 76 to 80 of the Work Capability Handbook for ESA give a detailed explanation of how visual impairment is assessed.

Sorry I don't know how to post a link, but by googling WCA handbook for ESA it gives access to the full handbook of the dwp.gov.uk site.

Hope you manage to get someone from CAB or equivalent to help you with it.

rogerblack

skintmacflint wrote: »

Pages 76 to 80 of the Work Capability Handbook for ESA give a detailed explanation of how visual impairment is assessed.

Sorry I don't know how to post a link, but by googling WCA handbook for ESA it gives access to the full handbook of the dwp.gov.uk site.

Hope you manage to get someone from CAB or equivalent to help you with it.

I note the recent guidance issued that seems to update this.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3825577

In short - for those who are blind, and cannot read braille, the new guidance to health-care professionals is that they should be considered eligible for the support group.

beckimooney

ESa50 been received and they are sending me for a medical after all. Any other registered blind people on here having similar problems as me?

recoverydust

As stated as you are registered blind, if you don't read braille you should be put into the support group. Did you submit medical evidence with your esa50? I suggest you take as much evidence of your sight limitations as you can with you to the medical. And do not go on your own.
Good luck

beckimooney

I sent letter off my opthomologist who identified I was registered blind and what level of sight was, or not in my case. Obviously not enough. Worried sick to be honest. Thanks for your reply anyway.