IB to ESA

Hi all,

My wife has just received an ESA50 Form to complete after being unable to work since the late 1980's.

She has been on IB for many years and we are a little confused as to the transfer process to ESA.

Since her back injury, she now has arthritis and problems with both knees as well as panic attacks and mental health issues. Our doctor is confident that she will not be made to work or be placed in a work group due to her health condition. Having said that we are extremely concerned at filing out the form and will need a family member to help us do this. We have read through some of the guides and there is so much to take in.

We did notice a comment suggesting we read the section on scoring extra points and the Imaginary wheel chair. We can't seem to find this section and was wondering if someone can point us in the right direction.

If anyone has been successful in transferring from IB to ESA we would welcome any advice that may help our claim as my wife would not be able to cope with work both physically or mentally.

Many thanks
Brassedoff

The first descriptor deals with mobilising 50 meters. DWP are allowed to assume that the claimant could self-propel a wheelchair, and thus score 0 for this descriptor, unless evidence if provided to the contrary.

This is dealt with in more depth in our ESA guide.

Thanks Mrs Hurtyback,

Please could you tell me where about in the guides is the section to help score extra points. There are a few references to this is the ESA on Physical Grounds Guide but I can't find this section anywhere!

There is no specific section that deals with 'scoring extra points', this would be discussed as each descriptor is covered.

Hi,

I noticed in your post that your wife has Arthritis. If she was effected by this in her hands and shoulders then she may/could not self propel a manual wheelchair. This may get her into the Support Group.

Furthermore, if due to Arthritis in hands/shoulders, she could not transfer from one seat to another unaided, she again may get into Support Group.

Remember, to provide evidence from professional that she has Arthritis and how this effects her.

Hope this helps.

Radhika.