ESA50 Form

SammyTyler

Hello everyone


We are filling in this dreaded forum, just need to ask some advice... don't want to be seen as over exaggerating ...
He generally has bad days whereas he is in pain most the time and other days whereas he doesn't feel the pain as bad and as much... So how do we base his answers...
On the bad days he can barely cover 50metres without being in pain, before stopping and waiting for the pain to reduce, but then on a good day he can go beyond that a little further .
Then there's the sitting and standing...he's like a yoyo... up and down like tower bridge....Sits for about 20mins then on his feet for 10mins or so.......


My other question is he no longer sees a specialist as they wont do surgery, so generally he's been left to live with this pain. He doesn't bother our GP about it as he feels there's little more she can do about it...Someone suggested I get our GP to do a little but looking at the ESA50 they don't require nor do they want it... So do they contact his GP prior to any assessment ?

TELLIT01

Put as much information as possible about the way his conditions affect him on a day to day basis. The sort of detail you provided above is ideal, as it indicates that its effect varies from day to day.
I would be inclined to make an appointment with his GP so that they have current information regarding his health. If the GP is contacted and responds by saying they haven't seen him for months, and he's not on any medication it won't help the claim.

SammyTyler

Oh he's got an telephone appointment later today and he'll get to see her within the next 2 weeks but that's after the form needs sending in....

They clearly state don't want GP's supporting letter..I wonder why.....

Think the best thing to do under medicine is simply write down / put that its currently under review by his GP and information to follow....

Mojisola

SammyTyler wrote: »

We are filling in this dreaded forum, just need to ask some advice... don't want to be seen as over exaggerating ...
He generally has bad days whereas he is in pain most the time and other days whereas he doesn't feel the pain as bad and as much... So how do we base his answers...

The best advice is to give examples of bad days and other days and then say how many bad/other days he has in a week on average.

Remember that he doesn't just have to manage to walk a distance (or other tasks) - he has to be able to do it 'regularly, reliably and safely'.

SammyTyler

Thanks Moji...We'll try and fill it in and hope for then best....

pmlindyloo

here is a useful guide about completing the ESA50 form.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/fill-in-form/

I would encourage you to get the medical evidence yourself.

The form may say that the DWP will ask your doctor but this often doesn't happen.

Better to be proactive.

NeilCr

This might help

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/fill-in-form/

Oops posted at the same time as pmlindyloo!

JaneDoeJohnDoe

Go to see GP to ensure GP notes are up to scratch & GP knows how condition is making patient feel. If it's not down on paper then "it doesn't exist".
As for the ESA50. You must put down all the bad bits. Do NOT say have actual good days, or else it'll be a case of working out exactly how many days a week the condition affects the claimant. And yes the Atos/Maximus people will do it & so will DWP! :eek: Yes do say have bad days with others not so bad. But you must emphasise the 3 R's - regularly/reliably/risk of safety.

ab1982

JaneDoeJohnDoe wrote: »

Go to see GP to ensure GP notes are up to scratch & GP knows how condition is making patient feel. If it's not down on paper then "it doesn't exist".
As for the ESA50. You must put down all the bad bits. Do NOT say have actual good days, or else it'll be a case of working out exactly how many days a week the condition affects the claimant. And yes the Atos/Maximus people will do it & so will DWP! :eek: Yes do say have bad days with others not so bad. But you must emphasise the 3 R's - regularly/reliably/risk of safety.

You seem to be advising the OP to lie.

OP - suggest you take advice on this anonymous internet forum with a pinch of salt, most seem to be a result of peoples own experiences good and bad. There are some really helpful people on here but I'd still verify any advice you are given with a second opinion at least. All the best.

Mojisola

JaneDoeJohnDoe wrote: »

As for the ESA50. You must put down all the bad bits. Do NOT say have actual good days

I think the problem with sick people saying they have 'good' days is that it can be misinterpreted by healthy people - they think it means that you are well enough to do everything fit people can do - so I would be wary of using the word 'good' - but you mustn't exaggerate your problems either.

allison445

There should be an option for it varies I just ticked that for most and explained how and why.
Totally agree with the good days point I don't have good days I just have some days better than other's if that makes sense.