ESA decision interview

Jaydee1507

Recently I had a home based medical assessment to decide which group for ESA I should be allocated to. Today I got a phone call from DWP for them to make an appointment with me for a phone interview with the decision maker.

What does thsi mean? Do they not have enough information? I am confused as don;t recall this from a previous claim.

Poppie68

I wouldn't worry it's sounds like they may need further information or just to query about about the assessment....

help4help2013

the decision maker will phone you for you to go into more detail about how your illnesses / conditions effect you its not un heard of and does happen i think its a good thing as you can give the person who will be making the decision more info and a better insight or how things effect you

its nothing to worry about at all just take your time when the DM phones you and give them as much details examples and info as you can after that phone call the DM will make the decision and usually send it in writing to you

Jaydee1507

OK so that's not too scary, Just haven't heard of it before. I assume that what I say though will or could affect the decision so we are back to scary. lol

True its better they speak to me if there seems to be uncertainty.

TELLIT01

You will generally get a call from the Decision Maker if you are slightly below the points limit for one or other of the groups. The DM will be collecting more information to see if you can be allowed benefit. It's very rare for a call if you have been assigned to the group on the basis of the scoring from the original assessment.

helping_hand2014

the decision maker might be torn between what group to put you in too so the reason for the phone call.

do as others have said and give as much info as you can

let us know how you get on with it good luck too

Jaydee1507

TELLIT01 wrote: »

You will generally get a call from the Decision Maker if you are slightly below the points limit for one or other of the groups. The DM will be collecting more information to see if you can be allowed benefit. It's very rare for a call if you have been assigned to the group on the basis of the scoring from the original assessment.

Hmm I think this is what I was thinking and I'm really not good at all at being put on the spot with questions as my brain function is very slow and I easily make mistakes or forget things. I'll have to try and get that over to the guy but it's easier said than done! Just wish it could be over with! Thanks.

allen35

Write bullet points to prompt you how your condition affects you with regards to working, look at the descriptors you feel you qualify for and write down the diff's you would have in carrying out the specific task.

Jaydee1507

It would help alot if I knew what he was going to quiz me on exactly. Obviously it's going to be work related. Does anyone have a really good list of the descriptors please?

helping_hand2014

just be open and honest about your condition they will then base there decision on that . here is a link to what points are awarded for what descriptors but always be honest about how your conditions effect you

http://www.sense.org.uk/content/esa-descriptors-determine-whether-you-have-limited-capability-work

zzzLazyDaisy

Do you have a carer, or someone who helps you who has personal knowledge of your conditions and the way they affect you?

Of you have them with you during the phone call.

Then if you get confused or don't understand the question you can ask the DM to speak to your carer, who may be able to explain the question better to you, or explain the situation better to the DM