ESA mandatory reconsideration

infoneededplease

DWP are basically saying that they don't believe me - I am sure that I read somewhere that they have to accept what you say as correct unless they can prove it is untrue. Does that ring a bell with anyone?

Briefly this relates in particular to the 'can you walk 200 metre - I said at my telephone assessment that I was often unable to walk more than 100 metres - although as I couldn't be exact about the precise distance then I was happy to go with the 200 limit. I know that it correct but I didn't want to say 100 in case I could manage 110 without stopping! ie erring on the side of caution so that I was not telling an untruth.

They have said that as I can go to the supermarket, even though I explained I use a trolley for support and stop regularly for a rest, this 'proves' I can walk further. Or that alternatively I could use a wheelchair or one of those rolling zimmer-type frames and therefore would have no walking restrictions.

The other thing they are using in ' evidence' of my walking ability is that I don't have a blue badge and they asked why not, and why no-one has advised me to get one. I hadn't considered it as I thought you had to be nearly dying these days to get one.

That is just a little bit of my query for the walking section only - there are still a number of other categories that I have to respond to - my GP had given me a letter of support

Thank you for any advice that anyone is able to give.

Edited - I am not actually a newbie as I have been a member since 2010 - but had forgotten my username so have re-registered

Horseunderwater

It's not can you walk x meters - it is can you mobilise either with an aide like a stick, rollator or manual wheelchair. You also need to be able to say that you can do this safely, repeatedly & reliably I think the saying goes. The same goes for any of the ESA descriptors.

rogerblack

A blue badge is now essentially impossible to get unless you are in receipt of the requisite level of DLA/PIP in much of the country.
Are you in pain when at the supermarket?

JaneDoeJohnDoe

Local councils issue Blue Badges on grounds of mobility but I think it does vary from council to council & you do not necessarily have to have PIP/DLA. Check with your Town Hall (or equivalent) & read any forms they send very carefully. Remember think of your worst days when filling in the form.