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ESA telephone assessment-Parkinsons

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3 days 15 hours ago #305899 by ELK
Hi everyone
I have early onset Parkinson’s disease and was diagnosed about eight years ago. I’m currently not working having handed my notice in 11 months ago because I was slowing down at work. I am now trying to claim ESA. Due to Parkinson’s being progressive with no cure I thought I might go into the severe conditions category as I do seem to tick the criteria but would this be considered after the tel assessment?
So I sent in a detailed ESA 50 form with a lot of supporting evidence (from consultants my nurse and discharge letters from the physiotherapist and neuro psychologist that I saw in the last 5-12 months) and was hoping that I might have a paper based assessment. I contacted Serco again today who confirmed I am going to have a telephone assessment which they booked in for me in a week or so.
Just wondering, what kind of questions might be asked - will they just go through my ESA 50 form and confirm my answers? My symptoms vary a lot depending on if my medication is working, if I’m having an on or off period. I also suffer with anxiety and can get a bit flustered on the phone and I’m worried I’m gonna mess up on the call and not be able to explain my condition and the way it can affect me. I was hoping to have some info from you in the following if possible please…..
Any advice on how best to prepare and tips for the telephone interview…
Is there a copy of questions that I can expect they’ll throw at me so I can prepare..
Anyone else with Parkinson’s been through this successfully- hints and tips..
How long after the assessment can I expect an answer?
Thanks 🙏

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11 hours 42 minutes ago #306120 by David
Replied by David on topic ESA telephone assessment-Parkinsons
Hi ELK

It would be most helpful if someone with Parkinsons shared their experiences of the WCA with you.
All I can say is that the questioning is usually adversarial which means they are looking for ways to question your illness and your account of it. They may question you about having a pet or how you celebrate or your social life for anything that they can jump on as contradictory. Have you read the BenefitsandWork guides on this?

David

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

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