Questions about ESA Process

Hello

I have a few questions about ESA. My ESA50 was due in on the 17th July, so it's not been too long since they've had to the form.

What kind of time frame is it to wait now? Someone told me to ring up quickly to ask for updates - and that will keep my file near the top. However, I don't want to do anything to jeopardise my claim. I'm just a constant bundle of nerves, waiting for the worst to happen - so I'd love to know, but also don't want to hear bad news!

Are people likely to be turned down at this stage? Or would they send for a medical first?

One of my letters of support was from my occupational therapist, and he wrote that he recommended I was seen by a specialist if needed. I have a rare and complex condition that a physio certainly wouldn't know much about, if anything. It's not on the list that can see a doctor for a medical - but it's not mentioned anywhere at all. Can I request this? I had two medicals for DLA, the first doctor hadn't heard of it, and I got turned down. The second had and knew the severity of it, and I then got high rate mobility and care indefinitely. So I'd really like to see a doctor if possible. Should I write and request this? Wait until I get an appointment for a medical? Do I have an argument for this?

If I do get a medical letter through - in the same letter as requesting a doctor should I request it's recorded, or is there another way to do that?

Thanks very much all in advance.

Hi Jazabelle,

I'm afraid that it is impossible to know how long it will be before you hear anything from ATOS. It could be anything from a few weeks up to 5 or 6 months!

How long until they make a decision?

You cannot be found 'fit for work' without a face-to-face assessment.

I'm afraid that, although you can certainly request that a doctor carries out any assessment, ATOS are not obliged to agree to this. The argument is that it is your limitations that will be assessed, rather than your actual condition, and all ATOS employees are 'disability specialists' as a result of the training they have received from the company.

As you have already submitted your ESA50, you should write to ATOS now requesting that any face-to-face assessment is recorded. You can include your request to be assessed by a doctor at the same time.