ESA50 finally received

Hello

I have recently joined B&W as I have now finally received my ESA50. I have been claiming IS for 20+ yrs and this is the first reassessment that I have had to do. I am living long term with HIV/AIDS and severe mental health problems. I have read as much as I can on the site but do have a few questions.

1. As one of my diagnosis is severe anxiety - am I right in thinking that as I am migrating from IS to ESA the amount that I receive should stay the same and there would not be a difference whether I initially get placed in either the WRAG or SG. I understand that the amount will be frozen until the relevant ESA rate 'catches up'.

2. Lack of supporting evidence. My mental health has always been poor and I have been on and off anti-depressants for 20+ years. My latest bad episode started in Nov 2012 and after seven months of battling I have finally just had an appointment with a psychiatrist. I am now awaiting a second assessment as there are signs of both PTSD and BPD (Borderline personality disorder) but I will not get any supporting evidence in time to meet the deadline. Should I send this off when I receive it or wait until/if I am called to an assessment ?

3. I have also changed the hospital where I receive my HIV care as my old Consultant has recently made redundant and was not being replaced. I was due to see my new Consultant today but she was then called to a last minute meeting and I could only see a nurse. I am due to see the Consultant again in four weeks time but this will again be too late to get a medical summary for evidence. I rarely see my GP as I have been stable on medication and basically just try to get on with life and manage as best as I can. My GP really has no idea how my health conditions impact on my daily life and I guess I am concerned if they were asked for their opinion.

Many thanks
MK

Hi MK and Welcome to Benefits and Work

I will try to answer your questions in order,

1) Anyone who successfully migrates from IB to ESA will have their benefit level protected, so you will not receive less than you do at the moment. As you say, if your IB is higher than the current ESA rate, that level will stay the same until ESA catches up.

2+3) You cannot supply what you don't have! Some people find it helpful to obtain a copy of their GP records as these can often be helpful.

Requesting your medical records

You should not delay in getting the ESA50 form submitted. If necessary you can send supporting evidence in to ATOS afterwards.

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

Don't forget to make full use of our ESA guides when filling in the ESA50 form

ESA claims and appeals

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