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from IB to ESA ... bit shocked

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10 years 1 week ago - 10 years 1 week ago #118767 by Cat
Replied by Cat on topic from IB to ESA ... bit shocked
Hi again

I'm reading about the reconsideration and appeal, and am very concerned about the phone call and the medical evidence side of it. I am having a dreadful time with the doctors at this new practice, and have no confidence that they will represent me accurately at all. Having to involve advocacy. It's been 4 months since I asked for serious help, and there have been some horrible experiences with a GP and a psychiatrist. No counselling in place yet; complicated process, and having to get a second opinion about diagnosis/medication. A counsellor (who assessed me and referred me back to GP for much longer term counselling) did advise me to see a different doctor at the practice, and also about another practice and good doctors there.

As I'm reading the literature, I'm feeling it might be best to immediately change surgeries. I'm wondering how the DWP would view all of this. The chaos would go against me in some way? Or, if things are so chaotic, might the DWP show some kind of understanding? I may be naive there. If I change to another surgery, where a doctor has been recommended to me, they might be reliable and helpful about benefits matters. To do this at this point I am wondering might be best, as I am getting nowhere with the present GP.

Very glad to be able to have a checklist ready for when a call arrives, due to the guides here, but really worried about the medical evidence side.

Best regards, Cat
Last edit: 10 years 1 week ago by Gordon.

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10 years 1 week ago #118768 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic from IB to ESA ... bit shocked
C

You need to be aware that any MR and/or appeal can only consider your condition as it was at the time of the Decision being challenged. If you do change GP then they cannot write a statement confirming your condition as it was at that time, as you would not have been a patient, they might be able to state what they believe your condition might have been but both the DWP and any Tribunal panel may decide that this is insufficient and ignore the evidence.

You can access your medical records directly and this may provide the information you need, but again, if you move practice then it may take several months for your records to catch up with you.

So whilst whilst it may make sense in terms of your treatment it may not in regard your benefits.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Cat

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9 years 11 months ago - 9 years 11 months ago #119461 by Cat
Replied by Cat on topic from IB to ESA ... bit shocked
Hiya :-)

Just a note to say I got a letter today to say I'm on Support ESA. Had written 5 weeks ago to ask for reconsideration, including points from the list of descriptors, to back up why I felt I should be on Support ESA instead. Thankfully that means the jobcentre interview won't go ahead and no need for the GP letter they'd asked for either, from me being on work-related. Good on every level, and thanks to this site for the list of descriptors that I could include! Not sure what rates I'm on, as there's a second letter on the way, but it's Incapacity Benefit levels as minimum so far. I realise this is a basic question, but I just can't seem to find this info ... Support ESA is secure for 2 years? And there are two different conditions that decide rent and council tax payments?

Many thanks, Cat
Last edit: 9 years 11 months ago by Gordon.

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9 years 11 months ago #119462 by Cat
Replied by Cat on topic from IB to ESA ... bit shocked
Thank you very much Gordon. I'd just missed the time deadline to thank you back then, but this info really helped.
Thanks, Cat :)

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9 years 11 months ago #119467 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic from IB to ESA ... bit shocked

Cat McFarlane wrote: Hiya :-)

Just a note to say I got a letter today to say I'm on Support ESA. Had written 5 weeks ago to ask for reconsideration, including points from the list of descriptors, to back up why I felt I should be on Support ESA instead. Thankfully that means the jobcentre interview won't go ahead and no need for the GP letter they'd asked for either, from me being on work-related. Good on every level, and thanks to this site for the list of descriptors that I could include! Not sure what rates I'm on, as there's a second letter on the way, but it's Incapacity Benefit levels as minimum so far. I realise this is a basic question, but I just can't seem to find this info ... Support ESA is secure for 2 years? And there are two different conditions that decide rent and council tax payments?

Many thanks, Cat


Congratulations on being placed in the SG.

Your SG award is indefinite but you should expect to be regularly re-assessed, the DWP can initiate a new assessment three months after the previous Decision but this would be unusual for the SG. You can contact the DWP and they should be able to tell you when they will send you another form.

You will need to check with your Local Authority, any rent assistance or help with your Council Tax is specific to each LA.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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9 years 11 months ago #119470 by Cat
Replied by Cat on topic from IB to ESA ... bit shocked

Gordon wrote:

Cat McFarlane wrote: Hiya :-)

Just a note to say I got a letter today to say I'm on Support ESA. Had written 5 weeks ago to ask for reconsideration, including points from the list of descriptors, to back up why I felt I should be on Support ESA instead. Thankfully that means the jobcentre interview won't go ahead and no need for the GP letter they'd asked for either, from me being on work-related. Good on every level, and thanks to this site for the list of descriptors that I could include! Not sure what rates I'm on, as there's a second letter on the way, but it's Incapacity Benefit levels as minimum so far. I realise this is a basic question, but I just can't seem to find this info ... Support ESA is secure for 2 years? And there are two different conditions that decide rent and council tax payments?

Many thanks, Cat


Congratulations on being placed in the SG.

Your SG award is indefinite but you should expect to be regularly re-assessed, the DWP can initiate a new assessment three months after the previous Decision but this would be unusual for the SG. You can contact the DWP and they should be able to tell you when they will send you another form.

You will need to check with your Local Authority, any rent assistance or help with your Council Tax is specific to each LA.

Gordon


Thanks for your message Gordon. Very surprised to hear about reassessments. I'm nowhere near well enough for hips replaced, and have just begun 3 months of assessment for psychosis. All kinds of longterm health problems going on. Don't see my health will recover fully for at least 3-4 years. I'll give them a call some time soon, and check with LA.

Regards, Cat

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