ESA Paper assessment

I’m currently completing my sons ESA50.

I’ve completed 2 previous forms in the past in 2012 and 2015, each time he passed on paper and was put in the support group without being called in for a face to face assessment.

My question is: if I actually ask for a paper assessment will the DWP do so?

On page 19 of the ESA50 I’ve put the following text:
“An assessment would cause a tremendous amount of stress, and we ask that you to look through the evidence and assess on paper to save detriment to his already fragile mental health. John is a very anxious person and would not be able to explain in an assessment, and he would also not understand the questions, or what is being asked of him. Therefore we request that this is passed to a mental health champion for assessment on paper”

The trouble is,my wife is severely disabled and on palliative care, so it’s a bit stressful at the thought of having to take my son to an assessment.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Gordon.

Thanks for your reply.

I have lots of evidence which I have to send in an A4 gusset as they’re full reports. My son’s physiologist and OT reports are early 2016, so probably outside their 2 year requirement. But all reports state he has a severe lifelong condition which is highly unluckily to change.

Do you think that’s OK?

I always keep a bit of evidence back in case we have to appeal.

Hi Gordon,

Yes I realise what you’re saying. It’s just that I paid for my son to see, two separate private occupational therapists, and both their reports said the same thing, obviously no point in sending them both reports. And I don’t want to have to ask for a mandatory consideration without more evidence.

As I mentioned his evidence may be out of date, but as they stated his condition is severe and lifelong and that he would never be able to work, either paid or voluntary I’m hoping that will be OK.