Capability for Work Questionnaire (New-style ESA form, different to online benefits calculator) 4 September 2022 at 3:03PM in Benefits & tax credits 6 replies 271 views

Avery_of_the_Shire

Hi folks.

I have applied for New-style ESA online. Initially I used an online calculator (here on MSE) to see how much I would be entitled to.

However, I have now received my Capability for Work Questionnaire in the post, and I notice that the questions in the paper Questionnaire are slightly different to the online Calculator.

In the online calculator, some of the options within "Part 1: Physical disabilities" read as follows:

Activity 1: Mobilising unaided by another person with or without a walking stick, manual wheelchair or other aid if such aid can reasonably be used.

Descriptor:

Cannot either:


i) mobilise more than 100 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion;


or


(ii) repeatedly mobilise 100 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion.


9 Points

Activity 2: Standing and sitting

Descriptor:

(b) Cannot, for the majority of the time, remain at a work station, either:


(i) standing unassisted by another person (even if free to move around);

or

(ii) sitting (even in an adjustable chair) for more than 30 minutes, before needing to move away in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion.


9 Points

However, the paper Questionnaire words these questions differently:

1: Moving around and using steps

How far can you move safely and repeatedly on level ground without needing to stop?

[  ] 50 Metres

[  ] 100 metres

[  ] 200 metres or more

[  ] It varies

2: Standing and sitting

While you are standing or sitting (or a combination of the two) how long can you stay in one place and be pain free without the help of another person?

[  ] Less than 30 minutes

[  ] 30 minutes to one hour

[  ] More than one hour

[  ] It varies

I selected the two blue options when completing the online calculator, but due to the different wording, I don't know which of the red options to choose on the paper questionnaire, to ensure that the answers reflect what I entered in the calculator. For example, the online calc said "Cannot mobilise more than 100 metres", but to choose 100 metres on the paper form might suggest that I can mobilise 100 metres +.

Any guidance would be appreciated.

poppy12345

If you mean the benefits calulator then that wouldn't have had the descriptors in that you've mentioned above. The benefits calculator will give you some idea of the benefits you maybe entitled to based on your circumstances.

What you've got here is the descriptors related to both of the groups for WRAG and Support Group. For WRAG you need to score at least 15 points but if placed into this group your ESA will only be paid for 1 year. You can see the descriptors for this group here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/work-related-activity-group-descriptors

For Support Group your money increases after 14 weeks and you'll continue to paid for as long as you remain in this group. You need to meet at least one of them. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/support-group-descriptors

Do be aware that the mobilising descriptor also takes into consideration your ability to use a self propel wheelchair.

Spoonie_Turtle

This is where the extra information comes in.  They won't take the box you've ticked at face value anyway, and you'll most likely also have an assessment which may or may not be informed by the form you've sent in, depends on the assessor.  

It does go by the majority of time, so tick whichever you feel is most representative - but far more important is the explanation you give about what you can and can't do, and why.  The online resource you used was of the legal descriptors used to decide scoring, which are all that matter.  The wording on the form does not affect those, which is why your case and clearly stating your limits are of greatest importance.  The form is simply a tool for eliciting information.

(However I do understand feeling anxious about ticking the right box - for me the mobilising one doesn't have an appropriate option, so I think I probably just went with 'it varies' because technically it does, but also because no other option was even remotely appropriate.)

Avery_of_the_Shire

Thank you @poppy12345 and @Spoonie_Turtle .. I will take a look at this

poppy12345

There's some very good advice from Spoonie too. You shouldn't just tick those boxes and move onto the next question. Use extra sheets of paper because there's never enough of room to add all the information. Try not to give your life story either because you want them to read why you've wrote. Less is often more.

Alice_Holt

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

And

https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Welfare Rights/esa50 guide april 2019.pdf

Avery_of_the_Shire

Thank you @Alice_Holt @poppy12345 @Spoonie_Turtle .. You have given me plenty to go through.