ESA50 and the impact of accompanying medical report

hello11

Hi,

i am due for a IS to ESA changeover but have nt had an assessment with atos,instead they want me to fill in and return an ESA50,just wondering if i cant get a report from my psychiatrist in time to send with the report could they not accept what i tell them in the form assuming i qualify for 15 points in any descriptors and just ask me to come for an assessment?
(i may be able to send them a social workers report but i doubt that will be as usefull/authoritive as the doctors!)i am hoping i dont have to go through the whole upheaval and stress of an assessment.
So if i send the form now and the report later would that work or is it pointless?
any help will be appreciated.
thanks in advance!

ebsay

Everybody gets sent an ESA50 form to fill in before they are called to an ATOS test.

The DWP are supposed to take on board what's written on it and any supporting evidence that you include, but in reality, more often than not, it's just ignored and off to ATOS you go!

niandsa

Do you have a care plan? If you are under the CMHT you should have one. I was successful in getting into the support group without a medical for mental health problems. I sent in my care plan, letter from my psychiatrist, which was written to my gp following my last appointment and my repeat prescription list with my ESA50.

It is possible to be awarded ESA without a face to face assessment. Often the medication you take can be an indication of the severity of your illness and help back up what you write on your form. Likewise your care plan should outline the difficulties you are having.

On and yes, you can send in supporting evidence after you return the form. Don't miss the deadline for returning the form or you may lose benefit.

rogerblack

As always.
Get some proof of posting, or send recorded/...
Take copies.
Be aware of the descriptors. http://www.tameside.gov.uk/esa/wca#LCW
And see if you can get your psychiatrist to address one or more of those, or these ones which would qualify you for the support group. http://www.tameside.gov.uk/esa/lcwra

If they have not made the decision by the time you've sent the report in, they should take it into account.
It may be possible to ask for a short delay, if you have a date at which you can supply the fresh evidence.

hello11

thanks for all the replies.I have a letter from the psychiatrist but it only talks about the history of my engagement with mental health services and at the end he says he does nt think I am able to work but gives no reason why or describe my behaviour specially as set out in the descriptors.
I dont think thats enough to avoid the strenuous medical?Your thoughts would be appreciated...