ESA medical how much have they changed

earwig

Hi my other half has been called in for a medical for his ESA he is currently in the support group . Does anyone know if they are as bad now as the stories in the press say they are .

Also at his last medical he was told on the day that he was being put in the support group does this still happen or has it completely changed .

My oh is so scarred that they are going to kick him of ESA then make him re apply so they can pay him on the new reduced rate any help would be great thanks xx

[Deleted User]

What he is going for is an assessment NOT a medical, whoever does the assessment then makes their recommendations to the DWP decision maker, I am surprised therefore that he was told on the day that he had been put in the support group as that isn't how it works.

tomtontom

Most claimants go through the WCA process with no problems. You don't hear about these as they're not newsworthy. Try to keep the horror stories in perspective, they are a distinct minority.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

you can take a look at the ESA descriptors and process's by looking at the WCA ESA HANDBOOK https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/408884/WCA_Handbook_Version_7_-_030315.pdf It is the current version as far as I am aware and this is the criteria that you other half will have to satisfy.


As per being told in the past that he satisfied Support Group (SG) you should take this with a pinch of salt this time round if it is mentioned again, it is the Decision Makers (DM) decisions to make and not that of assessment Health Care "Professional" (HCP).


There are steps in which you can take that can help the assessment go smoothly, you can:


Gather Evidence and take it with you on the day, Diagnosis, Care Plans, Social service assessments and so on.


Take with you medications INC a repeat prescription request.


You can write down any side affects any particular medications affect your other half with for the HCP to note down and consider.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

tomtontom wrote: »

Most claimants go through the WCA process with no problems. You don't hear about these as they're not newsworthy. Try to keep the horror stories in perspective, they are a distinct minority.

I would not like to lure the OP into some sort of false sense of the process like this statement does.


Who are this "distinct Minority" you speak of?

Foxy16

My first ESA assessment a few years ago wasn't too bad, but out of the blue I had to attend one this week, and the questions asked have definitely increased and changed since the last time, I could answer yes or no, but was not allowed to explain how long each one took or the impact this had on me like last time, and got shouted at when I tried. I had 35mins in the waiting room and 1hr 10mins being accessed which felt more like an interrogation and was horrendous, at the end I had to do several exercises, one I could not do as I knew I would end up flat on the floor, this was recorded as a 'refusal', wish I would have done it now, I came out of there physically and metally exhausted and in tears. To top it all received a letter yesterday, now have a PIP assessment in 2wks time, I am petrified this will be as bad and not sure if I will go, I am on the edge. I sincerely hope I am in the minority, as I would hate anyone else having to go through this.

pmlindyloo

Foxy16 wrote: »

My first ESA assessment a few years ago wasn't too bad, but out of the blue I had to attend one this week, and the questions asked have definitely increased and changed since the last time, I could answer yes or no, but was not allowed to explain how long each one took or the impact this had on me like last time, and got shouted at when I tried. I had 35mins in the waiting room and 1hr 10mins being accessed which felt more like an interrogation and was horrendous, at the end I had to do several exercises, one I could not do as I knew I would end up flat on the floor, this was recorded as a 'refusal', wish I would have done it now, I came out of there physically and metally exhausted and in tears. To top it all received a letter yesterday, now have a PIP assessment in 2wks time, I am petrified this will be as bad and not sure if I will go, I am on the edge. I sincerely hope I am in the minority, as I would hate anyone else having to go through this.

Like all walks of life there are 'bad apples' in every organisation.

Unless people complain these people will not be weeded out or, at the very least, get some more training.

Maximus have a Customer Charter and you should use this to your advantage.

Email them using the link below, quoting the date and time of your WCA and then quote the charter and how the assessor (the Health Professional) failed to meet these standards.

https://www.chdauk.co.uk/customer-charter

Make sure that you copy the email to your local MP and make sure that Maximus know that you have copied it to your MP.

Unless people do this then there will be no record (statistics) to support the claim that Maximus are not 'fit for purpose'.

CAB would help you draft a letter which you could then put on an email. They would also raise this as a Social Policy issue - again more evidence to get the system changed.

Alice_Holt

Make sure you now how the ESa points allocation works, and what basis your partner was placed in the SG.

Useful info on http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/ and https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/esa-medical-assessment/

Remember the assessment should be looking at what your partner can do reliably, repeatedly, safely and for the majority of the time. (Not just what he can do at the assessment). Take examples / illustrations of how his illness/disablity impacts on the relevant ESa activity to tell to the assessor, Also take any medical evidence you may have. Don't be rushed - explain fully and qualify answers where necessary.

earwig

Foxy16 wrote: »

My first ESA assessment a few years ago wasn't too bad, but out of the blue I had to attend one this week, and the questions asked have definitely increased and changed since the last time, I could answer yes or no, but was not allowed to explain how long each one took or the impact this had on me like last time, and got shouted at when I tried. I had 35mins in the waiting room and 1hr 10mins being accessed which felt more like an interrogation and was horrendous, at the end I had to do several exercises, one I could not do as I knew I would end up flat on the floor, this was recorded as a 'refusal', wish I would have done it now, I came out of there physically and metally exhausted and in tears. To top it all received a letter yesterday, now have a PIP assessment in 2wks time, I am petrified this will be as bad and not sure if I will go, I am on the edge. I sincerely hope I am in the minority, as I would hate anyone else having to go through this.

Oh bless you it sounds horrific , I was told that they make you wait on purpose so when you do get in there you are all flustered and bothered , I hope your pip one goes better for you xx