ESA renewal

Hi
I was placed in the Support Group for a period of two years. That time is now up and the dreaded ESA questionnaire has just arrived. I have two questions:
1. Will my GP automatically be contacted second time round?
2. My condition has worsened with problems at C1/C2 in my neck which is causing neurological problems and falls - would this be covered under exceptional circumstances i.e. .....substantial risk to the ....physical health of any person...? Basically, I 've been advised that any fall which involves a bang to the head could cause paralysis (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I now have a careline button installed at home.
Thanks.

sheleo wrote: Hi
I was placed in the Support Group for a period of two years. That time is now up and the dreaded ESA questionnaire has just arrived. I have two questions:
1. Will my GP automatically be contacted second time round?
2. My condition has worsened with problems at C1/C2 in my neck which is causing neurological problems and falls - would this be covered under exceptional circumstances i.e. .....substantial risk to the ....physical health of any person...? Basically, I 've been advised that any fall which involves a bang to the head could cause paralysis (I have rheumatoid arthritis). I now have a careline button installed at home.
Thanks.

Hi s,

1. No your G.P. will not be contacted automatically, DWP/ATOS sometimes send out an ESA113 to a claimant's G.P., but this is seldom done, and DWP/ATOS are under no obligation to do so.

This is why we advise that members should endeavor to obtain their own evidence from a G.P. or other treating HCP and include it with the ESA50.

2. You should make reference to any deterioration in your medical condition, and provide corroborative written evidence, where possible.

It would be perfectly reasonable to point out any "Substantial RIsk" pertaining to falls, etc, and use ESA Reg 29/35 as a back up to any of the functional descriptors that you also feel that you qualify under.

As you have now received the ESA50, if it is the "new" ESA50 01/2013, you may wish to consider :

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

Whilst referring to the "NEW ESA50" claims guides, here :

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 ATOS

bro58

Thank you.
I have received the new form marked ESA50/01/13. Is it ok to use a combination of typing/handwriting on the form (I can't do either for long) and is it acceptable to use a highlighter pen? To be honest I don't trust their willingness to read every line !

sheleo wrote: Thank you.
I have received the new form marked ESA50/01/13. Is it ok to use a combination of typing/handwriting on the form (I can't do either for long) and is it acceptable to use a highlighter pen? To be honest I don't trust their willingness to read every line !

Hi s,

You can either fill in The PDF ESA50 on your P.C. (as suggested in my first response) where you can save and edit as you wish, then print it off when you have completed it.

You could also print off the blank PDF ESA50, and fill it in with a pen, (this defeats the advantages of using The PDF ESA50 really. )or a combination of keyboard and pen.

If you are to use highlighter, there is nothing wrong with that.

However, when choosing the colour of highlighter, you may wish to consider how it would come out, if photocopied.

bro58