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ESA assessment, can they come to me?

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5 years 6 months ago #238755 by asperritt
ESA assessment, can they come to me? was created by asperritt
I've been sent an appointment for a face to face assessment for my ESA claim. I was originally put into the support group without an assessment/medical, and my doctors letter stated that there was no prospect of improving and it was likely that I would get worse - so my first question is, should I be worried that I have to have an assessment this time?

Also getting to the appointment is a nightmare, I explained in my form that I get back spasm if I travel for more than 10-20 minutes and its at least a 40 minute drive. I takes me a long time to get up, I have to wait for meds to take effect and getting washed and dressed takes a long time involving rests and I'm not ready to do anything before about midday, but the appointment is for 9am. I rely on my sister to take me to appointments etc and get my powered chair into her car and explained that I cant go anywhere on thursdays or fridays due to her night shifts - they've sent me a thursday morning appointment!
If I try to get to an appointment that far away at that time of day I will be in a right state by the time I get there and it would take days to recover. My brain doesnt function well when my back is spasming, I would really struggle to answer questions and to remember what I'd said.
I've heard that some people have their assessment at home, would I need a doctors note or something? I'm seeing her later today so I want to find out asap - and should I ask her for a letter to support my application?

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5 years 6 months ago #238758 by BIS
Replied by BIS on topic ESA assessment, can they come to me?
Hi weeble

You should not read anything into the fact that you have been asked for a face to face assessment this time - a lot of people find themselves in the same position.

Yes, you would need a letter from your doctor saying that it would cause you undue physical/and or mental distress to go to an assessment centre and a risk to your health and well-being.

If he cannot provide this quickly you could ring them and cancel your current appointment, so you could get the letter to them, but you would have to take the second appointment they offered you.

BIS

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

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5 years 6 months ago #238764 by asperritt
Replied by asperritt on topic ESA assessment, can they come to me?
Thank you, hopefully I should be able to get a letter fairly quickly.

The doctors letter I mentioned in my original post was from my former doctor and supported my original ESA application in 2014, when I was moved over from the previous system - I was unable to get a new letter to support my current application as my new doctor was on holiday, so I didnt have any up to date medical evidence to support the application this time.
Should I also ask my doctor for a letter stating that my health would be adversely affected by any requirement to do work related activities? I saw her shortly after sending the forms and told her that she might be contacted about my ESA application, and she agreed with my previous doctor that I was in no fit state to do anything like that.

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5 years 6 months ago #238783 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA assessment, can they come to me?
weeble

Yes, you will need a new letter if you are hoping to qualify through the Substantial Risk Regulations an old one will be ignored for these.

Gordon

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

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5 years 6 months ago #238797 by asperritt
Replied by asperritt on topic ESA assessment, can they come to me?
I called the assessment centre and was told a number that the doctor can fax to request a home assessment . Should I ask her to include the substantial risk supporting statement in that, so they have the information in advance? Or should it be a separate letter that I give to the assessor when I have the appointment?

Sorry to keep asking things! I am sure I should be covered by some of the descriptors as well as the 'substantial risk' but I want to make sure I've done everything I can and make sure the right people see the doctors information. If I had to do work related activity it would send me into a downward spiral physically and I would be at risk of not getting to appointments, leading to sanctions etc etc ... anxiety isnt even part of my problems but this process is making me very anxious!

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5 years 6 months ago #238800 by BIS
Replied by BIS on topic ESA assessment, can they come to me?
Hi Weeble

I would get the letter from your doctor now that you want to qualify for the Substantial Risk Regulation and fax it before the assessment.

BIS

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

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