Blog post about ESA

I’m wondering what on earth to make of this blog post:

kickingtoryassonwelfare.wordpress.com/20...ability-assessments/

I would welcome the Mods’ thoughts on the content regarding the two issues that struck me immediately:

1. Presentation of self at an ATOS F2F

“Please be aware – and I know this is horrific – that if you turn up clean, wearing makeup or with children in tow this will be used against you as evidence you are able to cope. It’s up to you what you do about that last piece of information – I know it’s disgusting and demeaning and based on lazy stereotype, but they want their pound of flesh, and if you look clean, tidy and are fairly articulate, it increases the likelihood of being found fit for work.”

I would never present myself as other than I am...or rather as I manage to be with a lot of help. Indeed, my full-time carer has said she would never support such a ploy and I’m counting on her to help me to and through a F2F is one is required required.

2. Inclusion of evidence in ESA 50

“For new claims never send any supporting information the first time because having new supporting information is the grounds for appeal.”

This flies in the face of advice issued by B & W and some claimants’ need to explain rare and complex medical conditions. Surely, when applying for ESA or migrating from another benefit the idea is to get into the right group straight away, preferably minus a medical, rather than prepare for MR and Appeal. That said, I have been told of two stroke patients who were issued similar advice by a solicitor specialising in welfare. The claiments live in the same area of the UK but would have been migrated to ESA by different benefit offices. They supplied minimal information on the form and did not attach any supporting evidence. They were both awarded three years in the Support Group without F2F interviews.

So, Mods, what do you make of it?

Mari W

Gordon,

Many thanks for such a detailed reply.

I fully aggree that a claiment who cannot deal with personal hygene ought not to make a special effort to “clean up” for the benefit of the HCP but the blog appeared to suggest a claiment who can manage or manage with help from a carer should go out of his/her way to look worse that usual.

I am heartilly releived that you maintain the B & W stance about evidence. I cannot imagine going about things any other way. I’m going for an outright win not some long drawn out battle.

The stoke patients? I only have details of one of them. His CVA was almost twenty-five years ago, leaving physical and cognitive impairments that are unlikely to improve at this stage. If both claiments’ GPs were contacted I’m wonder whether the fact that the forms were sent to ATOS by a solicitor caused the claims to be treated with more than usual respect. What do you think?

Mari

Hi M

I had a face to face assessment many moons ago with ATOS and the female doctor said to me
Quote,"Is that your holiday trainers I take it you will be flying off on holiday after this assessment"
I honestly could not believe what she had said

Gordon,

I was just mulling over the possibility of finding a solicitor to write a covering letter and walk my ESA 50 to the Post Office when the times comes...

MW