wheelcair descriptors and ESA

I am due my review and have received new ESA 50. Since migration 18 months ago my mobility worsened and gp refered me for manual wheelchair. On receipt of this I found I had great difficulty using it due to wrist and back issues and in part due to my weight. (My weight has burgeoned since knee problems left me with very poor mobility). I now use a mobilty scooter via the DLA mobility scheme. As my last medical was done clerically I dont know for sure where I scored points as the esa55a doesnt specify.Daft question I know, but if DWP decide I could use the wheelchair, albeit in a limited fashion, how would the steps descriptor be viewed? I am usually on crutches and would pass the steps descriptor but would the DM take the view that utilising a wheelchair negates the steps issue?

micksville wrote: I am due my review and have received new ESA 50. Since migration 18 months ago my mobility worsened and gp refered me for manual wheelchair. On receipt of this I found I had great difficulty using it due to wrist and back issues and in part due to my weight. (My weight has burgeoned since knee problems left me with very poor mobility). I now use a mobilty scooter via the DLA mobility scheme. As my last medical was done clerically I dont know for sure where I scored points as the esa55a doesnt specify.Daft question I know, but if DWP decide I could use the wheelchair, albeit in a limited fashion, how would the steps descriptor be viewed? I am usually on crutches and would pass the steps descriptor but would the DM take the view that utilising a wheelchair negates the steps issue?

Hi mv,

If you cannot use the manual wheelchair, have you informed your G.P.

If you inform him of this,and that you have had to lease a Mobility Scooter he may well write a letter supporting the fact that you cannot "Reasonably" self propel a manual wheelchair.

Didn't you receive a proper assessment as to whether you were able to use a manual wheelchair unaided ?

If you do tick "No" regarding the use of steps, this only gives you 9 points anyway, and does not therefore give you entry to The SG.

See Page 31 onwards of our "New" ESA Claims Guide on Physical Health Conditions, under the heading :

"How to explain problems with: 1. Moving around and using
steps"

On this page :

ESA Claims Guides

bro58

In answer Bro I discueed with my gp the wheelchair as matters were getting so bad I had to try something. He sent off a referral form to Nhs wheelchair service and took 3 months until I received it. I did envisage some issues but didnt think it would be so bad and maintain I cannot properly use it. My gp , like many now is reluctant to get involved in benefits letters etc though in general is helpful I am going to ask about a letter as he is aware I have encountered difficulties and he knows I use a motability scooter.

micksville wrote: In answer Bro I discueed with my gp the wheelchair as matters were getting so bad I had to try something. He sent off a referral form to Nhs wheelchair service and took 3 months until I received it. I did envisage some issues but didnt think it would be so bad and maintain I cannot properly use it. My gp , like many now is reluctant to get involved in benefits letters etc though in general is helpful I am going to ask about a letter as he is aware I have encountered difficulties and he knows I use a motability scooter.

Hi, mv,

It would really help if your G.P. could state that he is aware that you cannot self propel a manual wheelchair, and is aware that you have leased a Mobility Scooter.

If you cannot self propel a manual wheelchair the requisite distance, and have to use a Mobility Scooter, you would not be lying, if you stated this in The ESA50.

Please keep us updated.

Just to add, in case you are not aware of it, there is a topic on wheelchair, and aids use for ESA, here :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=top...id=10&id=87202#87202

Thanks Bro... I will ask him for a letter As it is only stating something he is aware of I cant see it being an issue. The scooter is via the motability scheme and is something I am obviously entitled to. TBH I wasnt due a review until End of December but as I wrote to DWP advising them of latest developments they assumed I was asking for a supersession to go from Wrag to support group. I wasnt but knew theywould probably opt for early review.I am sure I can easily demonstrate how difficult I would find it to utilise the wheelchair at any medical, though I accept non propulsion of a wheelchair is usually due to cardo pulmonary problems or severe upper limb function. I do have back and right hand issues which are medically documented and my weight and condition are self evident so fingers crossed.