ESA form page 5 - Is it OK to write an essay?

I've been stuck on this for ages. The "about your health conditions, etc" question asks for background, when your conditions started, details of how they affect you, and 'anything else you think we should know'.

I cannot answer these properly without sending a 10 page attachment!

Has anyone else done this, and do you know if it's likely to annoy the person reading it?

On previous claims I've tried to summarise more concisely, but have ended up failing a medical and having to appeal. This was so awful, I'm anxious to do everything possible to get it right first time. Part of me thinks it's best to give lots of information; the other part says 'keep it short'. Argh!

Which is the better approach??

Chezza wrote: I've been stuck on this for ages. The "about your health conditions, etc" question asks for background, when your conditions started, details of how they affect you, and 'anything else you think we should know'.

I cannot answer these properly without sending a 10 page attachment!

Has anyone else done this, and do you know if it's likely to annoy the person reading it?

On previous claims I've tried to summarise more concisely, but have ended up failing a medical and having to appeal. This was so awful, I'm anxious to do everything possible to get it right first time. Part of me thinks it's best to give lots of information; the other part says 'keep it short'. Argh!

Which is the better approach??

Hi C,

Welcome to Benefits and Work

Although you should try and keep any added pages to a minimum, it is important that you include all and any evidence that will support your ESA50 positively.

I really wouldn't concern yourself about "annoying" anybody !!

You should try and balance out for quality of evidence rather than quantity, but if you fail to send a piece of evidence that helps with your assessment, they cannot possibly take it into account, can they ?

Many, many of our members and claimants as a whole send substantial amounts of added pages.

Important evidence can be written confirmation of a diagnosis of a medical condition and reports/letters that give details of the limitations that you suffer as a result of the medical condition.

You must then try and tie the evidence into the appropriate ESA Activities/Descriptors that apply to you by cross-referencing to any added pages, etc !

The only way that you can qualify for an ESA Award is by either scoring the requisite minimum 15 points cumulatively across : The Functional WRAG (LCW)Schedule 2 Descriptors

Or if not through the above, via : ESA Reg 29 for entry to The WRAG (LCW)

PLUS Post 28/01/13 Amendment of :

(3) Paragraph (2)(b) does not apply where the risk could be reduced by a significant amount by—

(a)reasonable adjustments being made in the claimant’s workplace;

or

(b)the claimant taking medication to manage the claimant’s condition where such medication has been prescribed for the claimant by a registered medical practitioner treating the claimant.”.

From : www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/3096/regulation/3/made

And/or by fulling at least one of : The Functional SG (LCWRA) Schedule 3 Descriptors

Or via : ESA Reg 35 for entry to The SG (LCWRA)

Have you thought of : Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

Whilst referring to the guides on this page, 2nd & 3rd links down :

ESA Claims Guides

See also :

How long do I have to complete the ESA50?

ESA50 too big for the envelope

&

Sending Documents to the DWP or Maximus. (aka CHDA, aka HAAS.)


You could Bookmark/Favourite this page in your Browser so that you can find it again easily to pose any other queries that you might have !

bro58

This is very helpful, Bro, thank you. I'll have a through read of all the guides, then go back through my 'essay' to make sure it matches.

Wish me luck!