Esa

MrsBeswick

Hey,
I broke my leg in February and was on ESA for approx 6 months (I'm now on JSA).
The whole time I was on the assessment phase but was never assessed nor 'graduated' up to the main phase. It states this should happen in the first 13 weeks, and from week 14 you get an increased amount, depending on how many points you score at the assessment.
It's roughly an extra £30-£40 a week, depending on which group you get placed in.
My question is, is there anyway I can get the extra money I've missed out on?
I spoke to ESA and they've said no as I wasn't assessed, but that's not my fault! It's not as if I didn't turn up to an assessment, I've never received an appointment! I was told months ago I probably wouldn't be assessed as they've cancelled their contract with atos, but the woman on the phone the other day denied this being the reason!

Indie_Kid

They're right, I'm afraid. Originally, something was mentioned about paying WRAG component from week 13; but I do believe this was voted against.

tomtontom

On a positive you may not have qualified for one of the main phase groups, in which case your payment would have ended earlier.

MrsBeswick

Ahh boohockey, this isn't what I wanted to hear
Yeah I suppose Tom, although I think even atos couldn't declare someone with a broken leg fit for work!
Thanks anyways

GirlFromMars_2

MrsBeswick wrote: »

Ahh boohockey, this isn't what I wanted to hear
Yeah I suppose Tom, although I think even atos couldn't declare someone with a broken leg fit for work!
Thanks anyways

I'm not sure - a broken leg would have to be really bad to get you 15 points from the ESA descriptors.

Indie_Kid

They probably would declare you fit for work - if you couldn't walk, you'd be expected to use a wheelchair, etc. Unless of course you have a disability which would mean you couldn't use a wheelchair or other mobility aid.

northerntwo1

MrsBeswick wrote: »

Ahh boohockey, this isn't what I wanted to hear
Yeah I suppose Tom, although I think even atos couldn't declare someone with a broken leg fit for work!
Thanks anyways

I'm plated screwed and wired to the max with 2 operations and more to follow. None weightbearing fully for 5 months, now partial in a moon boot. Still reliant on crutches and 30% WB on dodgy leg. I'm on my feet most of the day in my job and was only off work 3 months because OH deemed me a fire risk. I'd have been back earlier.

That's with a very bad break involving multiple bones and 2 snapped tendons so quite a few work with a broken leg - though not waitresses etc there's lot that do.

MrsBeswick

Oh you poor thing northern, sounds awful Is that a coincidence you've mentioned waitressing or have I written it in my profile that I am one?
Anyways, I've signed on to JSA to do admin/callcentre work as obviously I'll be able to sit down most of the time. There's no way I could run a floor at the minute, even if my leg is much better.
My "I'm sure atos couldn't even declare someone with a broken leg fit for work" was only meant tongue in cheek....tbh no, I didn't think they would be able to declare someone able to work but I guess you're right, with aids it's possible!

northerntwo1

MrsBeswick wrote: »

Oh you poor thing northern, sounds awful Is that a coincidence you've mentioned waitressing or have I written it in my profile that I am one?
Anyways, I've signed on to JSA to do admin/callcentre work as obviously I'll be able to sit down most of the time. There's no way I could run a floor at the minute, even if my leg is much better.
My "I'm sure atos couldn't even declare someone with a broken leg fit for work" was only meant tongue in cheek....tbh no, I didn't think they would be able to declare someone able to work but I guess you're right, with aids it's possible!

Lol - no I had no idea I just know I can't even carry a cup of coffee to the living room :rotfl:


The descriptors are generic not job specific so yes 100% as a waitress you couldn't work but office work you could. Its a bit silly as you can claim whilst employed I understand so people could be unable to do their job but able to others but not able to take other jobs as employed.

nannytone_2

OP ... ESA isnt granted because you cannot do the job you currently do...
it is awarded for limited capability for ANY work.
so, even in your circumstances it is very likely that you would have failed tghe medical

rogerblack

nannytone wrote: »

OP ... ESA isnt granted because you cannot do the job you currently do...
it is awarded for limited capability for ANY work.

ESA is granted by passing the test that you have limited capacity for work.
This does _NOT_ mean that in practice, you have significantly limited capacity for work.
Actual capacity for work - or the lack of it is _not_ one of the criteria.
As an example - someone with a sports injury that stops them bending both elbows, to the point they can't put something in a upper shirt pocket - is entitled to the support group.

There are many, many jobs they could do, without significant limitation.