IB to ESA ....my transfer begins!

Prinzessilein

Well.....my letter arrived today!

The process of transferring me from IB to ESA has begun!

The letter explains that before they send me a 'Limited Capability for Work' questionnaire, they want to speak to me on the phone.

As they don;t have a phone number for me, they have asked that I phone them within the next seven days.

They don't have a phone number for me for the simple reason that I don't have/use a phone! This is linked to my ASD.

So, my mother could phone them - but would they be prepared to talk to her? (I can't even speak enough to confirm my identity on the phone!)

If they don;t get the letter they might just send the questionnaire anyway....or would they perhaps simply stop my benefit?

I want to cooperate with the system as much as I can (despite having severe reservations about it!).....

Does anyone know if they allow someone else top phone for you?..........I suppose if nothing else we'll find out on Monday when Mum attempts the call!

(I am so glad that Mum was actually here when the letter arrived this morning!....Typically for me, I entered panic-mode!...still, in one way I'm glad to get the letter - I have been worried for months now, at least we can try and get the issue dealt with now!)

Wheekypigs

I also have ASD and my parents speak on the phone on my behalf. They are happy to do that but you have to be there so they can ask you a couple of security questions and so you can confirm that you are giving permission for your parents to discuss your case with them. So I don't know if they would allow it unless you can answer those couple of questions (they're only one word answers, I literally only have to say about 3 words before passing the phone back).

sunnyone

I was transferred a few months back without any problems and its nothing to be scared of, Im deaf and have Aspergers (among a load of other conditions) and I cant use the phone, if you ignore the letter they just do everything by post.

I was placed into the support group for the maximum time allowed by ESA by the form alone, this and other forums are full of horror stories by those who have failed to be awarded ESA, people who have had no problems do not post there stories unless like me they want to reassure people that the system does work for those with evidence to back up there claim.

Prinzessilein

Mum made the phonecall for me this morning. It took about 15 minutes before she was put through to the right department!....but the woman she finally spoke to didn't even suggest that I come to the phone! She accepted Mum's explanation about my medical conditions and has said the paperwor will be sent out to me within the next 2 to 4 weeks.

We will now book an appointment woth DIAL to get help filling out the forms.