ESA50 form copied word for word from last ESA50

Hi,

I had to go to such lengths to complete my last ESA50 form (been in support group for 2 years), sitting down with my husband and going painstakingly through your fantastic guides and also the Atos workbook (I cannot thank you guys ENOUGH for all the information you have provided - would have given up long ago with you), which took months (we could not bear the thought of having the form suddenly appear and not be prepared for it so researched as much as we could in advance).

My question is when I get my next form can I complete it word for word the same as the last form providing there have been no changes (I am still on the waiting list for group therapy and also CBT and my new medication has not been reviewed yet as my psychiatrist left shortly after my last appointment and her replacement is behind with appointments in spite of my husband phoning and explaining that the new medication is not working).

If I complete the form exactly the same as last time, including all the letters from medical professionals I enclosed with my last form, will this work against me? I just don't think I could go through it all again. We had to sit and go through every single descriptor and provide evidence that I met the criteria for some of them.

Do the DWP keep copies of all previous forms and if I just send the same information will that be seen as not being up to date with my condition (they assume that time along will be enough to have improved my condition).

thanks you very much for getting me this far in the system.

Hi mc,

I'm glad that you found the guides helpful

You should always assume that DWP have no previous information about you and fill every form in from scratch. However, just in case they do refer back, you should show that, not only have you not got better, but also that you have not been able to 'adapt' to your condition since your last assessment. You should also keep your eyes open for any change to the descriptors that apply to you, as this could necessitate a change of reply.