ESA WCA Reassessment Experience.

biggysmaller

Well, finally had a my second assessment for ESA. Having been in Support Group for some time, I received an ESA50 to fill out in March and was given only 3 weeks notice recently to attend with no request for a new updated ESA50.
Having been naive and inexperienced about assessment in the past and with experience of appalling treatment from my previous ESA assessor (scored zero and awarded Support Group at Tribunal), I did lots and lots of homework and research on how to prepare for the assessment this time around! I learned how to fill in the ESA50 form using the correct terms and words that they understand. I used lots of words like can't do reliably, repeatedly or safely when describing a take. In the descriptors, if I was in any doubt that I could not complete a take repeatably or safely, then I conclude that I would need supervision and would tick the box that stated that I could not do the task without supervision. I absolutely went over my form with a fine tooth comb and made sure it was written in a language that the assessment team would understand.
I then asked my GP to fill out a report with answers specific to my ability, or inability - all relevant to the descriptors! He was very good and this was so helpful in the assessment, so much so, that the assessor just read through it whilst cross referencing my ESA50 and began writing a report with minimal interaction with me. It was all there for him to read and it was obvious I was in some discomfort. He genuinely seemed concerned. He asked how I got to the center - which is a standard question and some basic questions about my health. As he typed away on the computer he conveyed what he was typing. He said he would like to see my assessment period extended and not to worry to about the being moved from the support group. I didn't ad lib or strike up a conversation with him but just let him do his job. I revised my ESA50 and GP report and wrote down bullet point notes with the questions that may have been asked.
The most critical thing I did was to prepare for the assessment. I knew what to provide and despite them not asking for further evidence they got it in a clear and concise format that left very little room for interpretation.
It still astounds me that some of the people in the waiting room where on their mobiles, laughing and looking completely carefree unaware that there were two CCTV cameras in there. There was also a very low water dispensing machine and lots of papers and magazines on a table - none of which i touched. They kept me waiting 30 minutes past my appointment time and I was acutely aware of the CCTV camera and was in some discomfort and moved around and made a fuss. The first words of the assessor as I just entered his room was that he could see I was in some discomfort - make of that what you will.
There is plenty of excellent sources on the internet with advice on how to fill out PIP2 or ESA50 forms with the correct language, and how what to expect at the assessment. Use these sources - The last thing you want it to have your money stopped and months of stress with a tribunal appeal. I had the option to have my session recorded as I had requested but decided not to based on the attitude of the assessor on the day. However, I would recommend having it recorded.
I hope this helps.

poppy12345

biggysmaller wrote: »

Well, finally had a my second assessment for ESA. Having been in Support Group for some time, I received an ESA50 to fill out in March and was given only 3 weeks notice recently to attend with no request for a new updated ESA50.
Having been naive and inexperienced about assessment in the past and with experience of appalling treatment from my previous ESA assessor (scored zero and awarded Support Group at Tribunal), I did lots and lots of homework and research on how to prepare for the assessment this time around! I learned how to fill in the ESA50 form using the correct terms and words that they understand. I used lots of words like can't do reliably, repeatedly or safely when describing a take. In the descriptors, if I was in any doubt that I could not complete a take repeatably or safely, then I conclude that I would need supervision and would tick the box that stated that I could not do the task without supervision. I absolutely went over my form with a fine tooth comb and made sure it was written in a language that the assessment team would understand.
I then asked my GP to fill out a questionnaire with questions specific to my ability, or inability - all relevant to the descriptors! . He was very good and this was so helpful in the assessment, so much so, that the assessor just read through it whilst cross referencing my ESA50 and began writing a report with minimal interaction with me. It was all there for him to read and it was obvious I was in some discomfort. He genuinely seemed concerned. He asked how I got to the center - which is a standard question and some basic questions about my health. As he typed his reported he spoke what he was typing. He said he would like to see my assessment period extended and not to worry to about the being moved from the support group. I didn't ad lib or strike up a conversation with him but just let him do his job. I revised my ESA50 and GP report and wrote down bullet point notes with the questions that may have been asked.
The most critical thing I did was to prepare for the assessment. I knew what to provide and despite them not asking for further evidence they got it in a clear and concise format that left very little room for interpretation.
It still astounds me that some of the people in the waiting room where on their mobiles, laughing and looking completely carefree unaware that there were two CCTV cameras in there. They kept me waiting 30 minutes past my appointment time and I was acutely aware of the CCTV camera and was in some discomfort and moved around and made a fuss. The first words of the assessor as I just entered his room was that he could see I was in some discomfort - make of that what you will.
There is plenty of excellent sources on the internet with advice on how to fill out PIP2 or ESA50 forms with the correct language, and how what to expect at the assessment. Use these sources - The last thing you want it to have your money stopped and months of stress with a tribunal appeal. I had the option to have my session recorded as I had requested but decided not to based on the attitude of the assessor on the day. However, I would recommend having it recorded.
I hope this helps.

I'm glad it went well for you, however these HCP's are not supposed to give any info out regarding what the decision could be or what they're recommending.

I've seen this happen so many times and they've turned around and stabbed the claimant in the back. The report they had back was the complete opposite to what was said in the assessment. I hope for you that this doesn't happen.

Asking for a copy of that assessment report will give you more of an idea what the decision could be. Good luck.

biggysmaller

I do understand that and was very aware of that, however, it would have been extremely difficult indeed for the HCP to write an untruthful report., My expert medical evidence was overwhelming. My instinct was that he was a good un.
How soon can I ask for my report?

poppy12345

biggysmaller wrote: »

I do understand that and was very aware of that, however, it would have been extremely difficult indeed for the HCP to write an untruthful report., My expert medical evidence was overwhelming. My instinct was that he was a good un.
How soon can I ask for my report?

Try ringing DWP before they close Friday, hopefully by then they will have had both copies back.