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SDA to ESA questions
- wikedy
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8 years 9 months ago #136730 by wikedy
SDA to ESA questions was created by wikedy
Hi, I have received the initial letter stating will receive phone call to start transfer process from SDA to ESA.
I am using your guides but still have some questions.
I am trying to gather evidence and make notes on questions in preparation for doing form.
I have large care package, is it useful to send copy of care plan signed by my care manager or better to get supporting letter from care manager or both. The care plan is only month old.?
I use and NHS indoor/outdoor electric wheelchair, on the question re moving around and using steps, I cannot find any guidance in your documents how to reply. Do I tick the box saying cannot walk more the 50 meters, or just leave that and explain in box I cannot do any walking/standing without assistance, pain, falls etc explaining why I have NHS electric wheelchair?
When completing the extra info boxes if I feel I meet a certain descriptor should I refer to that in my explanation of difficulties? So say I meet descriptor for support group re moving around should I say that?
I have appointments with several of my specialists soon, should I try asking for evidential letter or just use copy of what they send my GP? I get copies of all such letter but they may take some time to come outside of month time period.
Does the four week time period start from when DWP send me form, or initial letter/ phone call?
Its been ten days and they have not called yet, they should do so by Friday, if not should I call them, or leave it?
I am a bit overwhelmed as so much involved and my health needs complex so lots to explain.
I am trying to get help but everyone at organisations so busy.
Any guidance appreciated.
Thank you
I am using your guides but still have some questions.
I am trying to gather evidence and make notes on questions in preparation for doing form.
I have large care package, is it useful to send copy of care plan signed by my care manager or better to get supporting letter from care manager or both. The care plan is only month old.?
I use and NHS indoor/outdoor electric wheelchair, on the question re moving around and using steps, I cannot find any guidance in your documents how to reply. Do I tick the box saying cannot walk more the 50 meters, or just leave that and explain in box I cannot do any walking/standing without assistance, pain, falls etc explaining why I have NHS electric wheelchair?
When completing the extra info boxes if I feel I meet a certain descriptor should I refer to that in my explanation of difficulties? So say I meet descriptor for support group re moving around should I say that?
I have appointments with several of my specialists soon, should I try asking for evidential letter or just use copy of what they send my GP? I get copies of all such letter but they may take some time to come outside of month time period.
Does the four week time period start from when DWP send me form, or initial letter/ phone call?
Its been ten days and they have not called yet, they should do so by Friday, if not should I call them, or leave it?
I am a bit overwhelmed as so much involved and my health needs complex so lots to explain.
I am trying to get help but everyone at organisations so busy.
Any guidance appreciated.
Thank you
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- Gordon
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8 years 9 months ago #136750 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic SDA to ESA questions
wikedy
Welcome to the forum.
To try and answer your questions in order.
Yes you can attach details of your Care package but you should try and explain how the support you get is related to the ESA Descriptors, for example; if you get help with your cleaning then this might be because you have problems standing for long periods of time (Q2) or do you have help with bathing because you can't raise your arms to wash your hair (Q3).
A motorised wheelchair will not be considered in regard to ESA which looks at your ability to walk and to self-propel a manual wheelchair, you need to address both these issues in your reply on the ESA50.
If you can use the tick boxes then it is usually to your advantage to do so, but if you feel that they are constraining you to describe your problems in a way that does not explain them properly then you should mark the box "see below" and explain in more detail in the comments box or any attached pages.
Yes you can state which Descriptor you think that you meet, but you should always explain why.
Speak to your specialists and see what level of support they are prepared to provide, in our experience it is either full or none with very little in between.
The four week period starts from when the form is sent to you, there will be a date included in the covering letter by which the ESA50 has to be returned to Maximus by.
Don't worry if you do not receive the phone call and you certainly don't need to phone the DWP yourself, they will only ring to ask if you understand what is happening and have any questions yourself.
If you are looking for assistance with completing the ESA50 try an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town or county, you can also try any sites that support your conditions. I'm afraid that help is very limited since the Government reduced the funding for support organisations several years ago.
If you have more questions then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.
Gordon
Welcome to the forum.
To try and answer your questions in order.
Yes you can attach details of your Care package but you should try and explain how the support you get is related to the ESA Descriptors, for example; if you get help with your cleaning then this might be because you have problems standing for long periods of time (Q2) or do you have help with bathing because you can't raise your arms to wash your hair (Q3).
A motorised wheelchair will not be considered in regard to ESA which looks at your ability to walk and to self-propel a manual wheelchair, you need to address both these issues in your reply on the ESA50.
If you can use the tick boxes then it is usually to your advantage to do so, but if you feel that they are constraining you to describe your problems in a way that does not explain them properly then you should mark the box "see below" and explain in more detail in the comments box or any attached pages.
Yes you can state which Descriptor you think that you meet, but you should always explain why.
Speak to your specialists and see what level of support they are prepared to provide, in our experience it is either full or none with very little in between.
The four week period starts from when the form is sent to you, there will be a date included in the covering letter by which the ESA50 has to be returned to Maximus by.
Don't worry if you do not receive the phone call and you certainly don't need to phone the DWP yourself, they will only ring to ask if you understand what is happening and have any questions yourself.
If you are looking for assistance with completing the ESA50 try an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town or county, you can also try any sites that support your conditions. I'm afraid that help is very limited since the Government reduced the funding for support organisations several years ago.
If you have more questions then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Jellybean, wikedy
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- wikedy
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8 years 9 months ago #136808 by wikedy
Replied by wikedy on topic SDA to ESA questions
Thank you.
I have managed get an appointment with a welfare rights worker in local disabled peoples organisation thankfully, she says will help me complete form.
But leaving nothing to chance I am still progressing my own notes on answers.
Its so worrying but as will also have DLA to PIP to face this year too probably its good to gather evidence and prepare.
In each question I am referring to what my PAs/carers help me with and why.
I find it quite depressing going into such details re all my health issues and difficulties.
I will get back to you on this thread re any other questions as I progress the form but hopefully will be ok.
Just rather overwhelming.
Thank you
Wikedy
I have managed get an appointment with a welfare rights worker in local disabled peoples organisation thankfully, she says will help me complete form.
But leaving nothing to chance I am still progressing my own notes on answers.
Its so worrying but as will also have DLA to PIP to face this year too probably its good to gather evidence and prepare.
In each question I am referring to what my PAs/carers help me with and why.
I find it quite depressing going into such details re all my health issues and difficulties.
I will get back to you on this thread re any other questions as I progress the form but hopefully will be ok.
Just rather overwhelming.
Thank you
Wikedy
The following user(s) said Thank You: Gordon
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- wikedy
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8 years 9 months ago - 8 years 9 months ago #137339 by wikedy
Replied by wikedy on topic SDA to ESA questions
Hi, I am preparing as much as I can before seeing welfare worker to complete form.
I have spinal condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome, due to all the affects of this on bladder and bowels should I state on the form that I meet the descriptors for the Support Group in that section and others that apply?
I have followed your guidance re the detailed information.
Should I also state in the section of requirements for face to face assessment that I would need to see a nuero-trained nurse/professional? or wait until I know I will have to have such an assessment?
Thank you
I have spinal condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome, due to all the affects of this on bladder and bowels should I state on the form that I meet the descriptors for the Support Group in that section and others that apply?
I have followed your guidance re the detailed information.
Should I also state in the section of requirements for face to face assessment that I would need to see a nuero-trained nurse/professional? or wait until I know I will have to have such an assessment?
Thank you
Last edit: 8 years 9 months ago by .
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8 years 9 months ago - 8 years 9 months ago #137345 by
Hi w,
You should include all and any such requests as early on in the process as possible.
Ideally, within or along with The ESA50 Questionnaire.
Even though it is recommended that Medical Services/Maximus should provide properly qualified HCP's for specific medical conditions, whether they would do so is a different matter.
If it does ensue that you are required to take part in a face to face, which is not a definite if you can provide enough evidence for them to carry out a paper based assessment, you could bring this up once more with Maximus prior to the face to face.
You should also make any formal wriitten request for a face to face to be audio recorded within or along with The ESA50, if that is what you desire.
There is further information regarding requesting this in our ESA Claims Guides, and from the 9th link down : This Page.
bro58
Replied by on topic SDA to ESA questions
wikedy wrote: Hi, I am preparing as much as I can before seeing welfare worker to complete form.
I have spinal condition called Cauda Equina Syndrome, due to all the affects of this on bladder and bowels should I state on the form that I meet the descriptors for the Support Group in that section and others that apply?
I have followed your guidance re the detailed information.
Should I also state in the section of requirements for face to face assessment that I would need to see a nuero-trained nurse/professional? or wait until I know I will have to have such an assessment?
Thank you
Hi w,
You should include all and any such requests as early on in the process as possible.
Ideally, within or along with The ESA50 Questionnaire.
Even though it is recommended that Medical Services/Maximus should provide properly qualified HCP's for specific medical conditions, whether they would do so is a different matter.
If it does ensue that you are required to take part in a face to face, which is not a definite if you can provide enough evidence for them to carry out a paper based assessment, you could bring this up once more with Maximus prior to the face to face.
You should also make any formal wriitten request for a face to face to be audio recorded within or along with The ESA50, if that is what you desire.
There is further information regarding requesting this in our ESA Claims Guides, and from the 9th link down : This Page.
bro58
Last edit: 8 years 9 months ago by .
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- wikedy
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8 years 9 months ago #137891 by wikedy
Replied by wikedy on topic SDA to ESA questions
Hi,
Have now completed form.
Manger to get Neurologist and Pain consultant to do up to date letters of evidence, also one from Care Manager and main Carer.
Given extensive detailed information, four pages GP prescription list, copy of enhanced needs Care Plan.
Used your guidance for physical questions.
GP refused to do letter but I have seen him twice and made sure he has read my all my consultant letters and up to date on my health issues.
Welfare rights worker also filled in some of the other questions re getting out and about even though I thought they not relevant, she thought they were worth filling in.
Form being posted today recorded and tracked delivery service.
Now just have to wait.
But I do have more hospital appointments so should I ask for even more evidence from different consultants and send these in too?
I did include past letters, as I get copies of letters sent from hospital to GP so they have evidence of all specialists I see regularly.
Do you know on average how long people have to wait for initial decision on paper based evidence? Or could the first thing I know be appointment for face to face review?
The advisor I saw says I should be placed in Support group without interview as so much evidence provided.
And I need to be in that group but see and read of so many very poorly people not getting into SG.
Thank you for your help and advice so far.
I will let you know of any progress.
Thank you
Wikedy
Have now completed form.
Manger to get Neurologist and Pain consultant to do up to date letters of evidence, also one from Care Manager and main Carer.
Given extensive detailed information, four pages GP prescription list, copy of enhanced needs Care Plan.
Used your guidance for physical questions.
GP refused to do letter but I have seen him twice and made sure he has read my all my consultant letters and up to date on my health issues.
Welfare rights worker also filled in some of the other questions re getting out and about even though I thought they not relevant, she thought they were worth filling in.
Form being posted today recorded and tracked delivery service.
Now just have to wait.
But I do have more hospital appointments so should I ask for even more evidence from different consultants and send these in too?
I did include past letters, as I get copies of letters sent from hospital to GP so they have evidence of all specialists I see regularly.
Do you know on average how long people have to wait for initial decision on paper based evidence? Or could the first thing I know be appointment for face to face review?
The advisor I saw says I should be placed in Support group without interview as so much evidence provided.
And I need to be in that group but see and read of so many very poorly people not getting into SG.
Thank you for your help and advice so far.
I will let you know of any progress.
Thank you
Wikedy
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