Conribution based ESA and another work capability assessment form.

dizzygee

Hello , I was hoping someone could give me some advice. I was awarded contribution based ESA 4 years ago. I have been suffering with depression and severe anxiety.I had worked for over30years with no breaks. I have received a new work capabity assessment form. what is the procedure now ? if it is decided I have improved will they take off the contrib. esa ? will I be expected to work ? . I'm sorry to sound so desperate but I am panic stricken. Any help would be much appreciated.

TELLIT01

You need to complete and return the ESA50 by the date requested along with any supporting evidence you may have. Take copies of all supporting evidence as it's not unknown for it to go missing. After that all you can do is wait to either be called for assessment or for the outcome of a paper based assessment.
Easy to say, but try not to worry about any outcome at this time as worrying will achieve nothing. Once you have the result of the assessment come back for further advice if a decision has been made which affect your benefit entitlement.

calcotti

ESA awards are reviewed periodically. You will have to complete the form and return it within the timescale. Do include any recent medical evidence you have to support your claim. If you haven’t got any do try and obtain some. However don’t delay sending the form back. You are likely to have another face to face assessment unless the medical evidence is compelling. The DWP will then decide what level of ESA to award.

If you disagree with the decision you can request a mandatory reconsideration and then, if necessary, make an appeal.

Alice_Holt

Take it one step at a time.

First, complete 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/

http://www.mybenefitsandwork.co.uk/med2/indexxx.php

https://www.mind.org.uk/media/309761/Mind_ESA_factsheet_2.pdf

You will probably wish to stay in the Support Group:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

and Reg 35 (significant risk to health if you had to participate in WFI's)
http://www.cpag.org.uk/content/making-exception
Include this on the Other Info page, as there is not a direct Q on significant risk to health.

Can you get help with the form?
Local advice agency / CAB / MIND ?

Are you receiving PIP?

dizzygee

thank you all for your help .I'm trying to stay calm and consider what I have to do. I will be seeing my doctor so I'll try to see if she can provide any supporting evidence .



I currently am in support group for contribution based ESA. I am only getting ESA. While my depression is the same and no worse my anxiety is much more serious . It is the thought of preparing forms that has me worked up but I will take my time , one section per day as my problem is the mind seems to race ahead with anxiety.I will return with the outcome . thanks again for tha advice and links.

calcotti

Although it involves more form filling I would recommend that you also think about whether you could qualify for PIP.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/

Alice_Holt

I think a good way to do the ESA50 form is to type up all answers on a separate sheet(s) which are then securely attached to the form along with relevant medical evidence, and any evidence from family / etc..
In the boxes on the form write "see attached sheet", and on the typed sheets include name, NI no, and make clear which Q each write-up refers to.
This has the advantage of:
- Being easily read and legible;
- Easily edited and amended (unlike writing directly on the form);
- No space limitations (the boxes on the form are quite small). More space to include examples / illustrations;
- You can get a consistent feel to the finished version:
- Easier to get someone to review / proofread it for you;
- A ready made copy to take along to the assessment.

The B & W site has an excellent guide to completing the forms (both ESA & PIP), the c.£20 to join as member could be money well spent.
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/images/image/samples/esa/ph_wca_may13.pdf

A bit more on Reg 35:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/2955-regulation-35-2-b-is-now-the-main-route-into-esa-support-group

Willing2Learn

Alice_Holt wrote: »

...

Just wanted to say thank you for all the contributions you have made for so long in the DWP threads.