ESA50 Query - updated

Altior

Hi all. Sorry for being pretty needy, I like to have all my ducks in a row!

I am now in the middle of populating my ESA50.

Query is about providing consent to health professionals to provide the DWP information about my conditions.

Ostensibly, I don't have anything to hide, so in principle, no problem. However, I am providing written supporting evidence already, and things can go wrong with mixed communication, interpretation etc. As my healthcare is predominately private, there also must be a possibility of unexpected bills landing with me!

So, does anyone know how material providing consent is to the claim? I feel like I should be in the support group. Is it as simple as, an applicant not providing consent is looked on less favourably to one who does? It also takes time and effort for the DWP to pursue information, I will be providing them with the details of 4-5 different healthcare professionals. Are they nearly always contacted if consent is given (since the DWP appears to be running behind on everything right now!)?

Thanks  

KxMx

They very rarely contact GP etc, but it does happen sometimes. 

huckster

The health assessment company do write out to Doctors with consent provided. 

When the ESA50 is received it is passed to a relevant health professional who checks if all of the information required has been provided. If there are any gaps then they send out the questionnaire form.

Don't know whether it would delay assessment. It could mean the assessment is completed face to face rather than by phone call. As they might want to see how health & disabilities affect capability for work.

Why don't you call the assessment company directly about whether they would pay costs for your private Doctors completing any forms. As this would affect whether you consent or not.

Altior

Thanks both!

Altior

Posted this off today, finally. Could have done with a much larger envelope!

In the end I decided to withhold consent. There's not much my GP could add that isn't already in the information provided, and I have no objection to being interviewed. It's also a little tricky as I effectively have two GPs, therefore neither has a complete impression of all of my history and circumstances.