Length of ESA Award

James123_2

I've just been awarded WRAG. Many posters refer to a suggested date for reconsideration. I know that such things are generally at the whim of DWP, but I couldn't see a likely timescale on my letter.

I have (ESA85A) stating that 'evidence suggests review in the medium term'.

Hm, is that that possibly code for six months?
It also states something about a return to work 'within 18 months' - but that isn't anything to do with review dates .. or is it?
Thanks - been some great support on here.

James123_2

PS
Thanks for all the wonderful support in terms of advice on appealing. I'm now 90% sure I don't need the hassle or stress. Both my wife and I have cancer. IB helped to keep the lights on. However, we do have some savings and a small ill-health pension (ironically sanctioned by ATOS) so we're going to go out with a 'bang'! It's an unfair world, but we're just both happy to have survived chemotherapy - for now!

nannytone_2

i had my first medical just over a year ago, but there was no time limit on my award letter.
i received another ESA50 about 10 months later and fillled it in.

i then got a letter saying 'from april 2012 your ESA will be £xxxx.

i phoned DWP who told me i wasnt having a medical and theyd call me again within the next 2 years.

see,s confusing people is a hobby for the DWP!

James123_2

Well, I can only hope that the process is a little kinder to those yet to be assessed in the future. Glad they seem to have left you alone. Best Wishes!!

Muttleythefrog

It also states something about a return to work 'within 18 months' - but that
isn't anything to do with review dates .. or is it?

It is believe it or not.. lol. They will likely reassess you in about 18 months which is towards the upper end of the scale. No guarantees but that is the prognosis they will normally use.

James123_2

Oh, so 18 months is assumed to be the 'medium term'. Thanks Muttley. You always provide intelligent and informative answers.
Perhaps I should look more closely at the hidden code of the ESA85A to see whether I can understand this better. For example:

"The available evidence suggests that the client has significant level of disability such that they would have limited capability for work. Client has long-standing medical problems following chemotherapy. Under care of specialists, on appropriate medication. Would likely meet LCW with mobilising and manual dexterity."

Translated = ill, but not sufficiently so and likely to improve. (Despite consultant saying otherwise and no further treatment options)

Sorry ... off on a tangent here.

Muttleythefrog

James123 wrote: »

Oh, so 18 months is assumed to be the 'medium term'. Thanks Muttley. You always provide intelligent and informative answers.
Perhaps I should look more closely at the hidden code of the ESA85A to see whether I can understand this better. For example:

"The available evidence suggests that the client has significant level of disability such that they would have limited capability for work. Client has long-standing medical problems following chemotherapy. Under care of specialists, on appropriate medication. Would likely meet LCW with mobilising and manual dexterity."

Translated = ill, but not sufficiently so and likely to improve. (Despite consultant saying otherwise and no further treatment options)

Sorry ... off on a tangent here.

lol... I'll add my translation.

'Claimant should qualify for WRAG due to descriptors applying from the LCW tests regarding mobilisation and manual dexterity. Claimant has clear long term medical problems - however my drop down menu has limited options and so let's select the one near the bottom of the list in the expectation that after 18 months of payments they could afford a trip to Lourdes for a miracle. I'll say they're under specialist care and receiving appropriate treatment even though I'm completely unqualified to make such judgement on the latter point but it will justify my 18 months prognosis.'

What is interesting to me is the lack of specifics.. it doesn't state the actual descriptors they feel apply which I would have assumed the report to do... but then I've never seen one other than my own. Live and learn.

James123_2

Great ...... I think you should pen an 'alternative' ATOS/DWP Guide Muttley. At least then we could turn this whole charade on its head and have a little fun at the same time.
So, as I assumed, they'll probably leave me alone on WRAG until it expires in 12 months. Whereas Support might trigger multiple re-assessments and general misery at a time when I need it least. However, I do feel a great sense of injustice in all of this.
Anyway, hope you can keep the ATOS folk under control for your own application Muttley. Stay Happy - say 'Hi' to the North East for me. I'm from Newcastle myself.

My report was signed off by a Registered Nurse. My condition is not fully understood by doctors. Oh well.