Yes I wrote at length in graphic, embarrassing detail about it all on the form. They have clearly paid no attention though or think I'm putting it on. I wish!. Thanks for replying anyway.

Basically, there are two ways to get a home visit. It either has to be at the request of a doctor e.g. a letter or the claimant has to live more than 90 minutes away from a DWP test centre based on a one way journey by public transport. I would suggest telling your GP about the deterioration in your circumstances, that home visits are an option and would he/she please make a representation on your behalf to get a home visit bearing in mind that deterioration in circumstances.

We have decided to ask for a reconsideration. How do we do this? Do we have to ask (either by oh one or letter) for the reconsideration because 'X,y,z reasons' or do we simply ask for a reconsideration? I'm finding it hard to come up with reasons when I don't know why they have decided to award wrag. But I don't have time to ask them to send me the reasons and get the reconsideration in within the month :/

Nevertheless, it is worth getting the copies of the examiner's medical assessment and DWP decision maker's verdict as soon as possible to inform any full appeal and future ESA 50 form applications.

In respect of a reconsideration, I'd suggest doing it via formal written letter (with signed for delivery so you have proof of sending) and there is advice here: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Gl...eals-guide.doc

You have one month from the start of the date on the decision notification letter (note - not one month since receiving the decision letter) to get an administrative reconsideration letter & supporting documents sent back to them. I'd very strongly recommend getting expert help with a reconsideration/full appeal from any one of the nearest Citizens Advice Bureau (see https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ab...advice/advice/), local council benefits advice unit or community law centre depending what is available locally.

I'd also suggest looking through this thread from the beginning to pick up any other useful advice.

Thanks, we are asking for the info, just won't have it in time for the reconsideration deadline. I'm not sure what evidence I could send them tbh as we have nothing :/. Have welfare rights appointment next week so hopefully get some help there

At that discussion, I'd suggest asking the welfare rights advisor if there's anything else that your GP/consultant/etc. could write that would help your case and/or if you could provide extra printed documentation about the conditions from which you suffer.

Further to the post immediately above, the leads below and the information that they contain might possibly be of assistance:

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/ap...econsideration

http://www.lampdirect.org.uk/sites/d...%20ESA2012.pdf (mental health)

https://www.actionforme.org.uk/uploa...-factsheet.pdf (physical health)

Thanks for these, some helpful stuff in there, I will have a good look through it before doing anything

Wondered if anyone could help with this.

I am currently on my second ESA fit note (not fit to work) and in around 2/3 weeks time I'll need to return to the surgery again to get another one. However when I got my first one, the doctor I saw said they were happy to give me a sick note that I collect (from the receptionist I presume) without actually needing an appointment.

Would I need to ring the surgery to ask? I wasn't sure whether to get another appointment first to ask, if that makes sense.

Usually just phone and ask the receptionist who will pass the request through to your doctor.m give it plenty time though, it takes 2/3 days for ours to complete the request

Can someone tell me is a DVLA revoked licence for medical reasons enough to try and make a claim potentially for ESA as I contacted the DVLA and they have sent me revoke forms to take to the Doctor this is why I have not learned previously, obviously I cannot claim JSA as I would need to qualify to apply for all jobs.

I currently have a Provisional I cotacted them to see if I could now learn.

Information on ESA eligibility can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/employment-suppor...ce/eligibility

What I'd suggest doing is making an appointment with a welfare advisor at the Citizens Advice Bureau (please see https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ab...advice/advice/) or other local equivalent to see if you qualify for ESA and any other benefits and, if yes, then do by all means ask for help with filling in the forms, getting supporting evidence from the GP or consultant and so on.

Pip tribunal date given, 30th June. So 6 months from reassessment form being sent out, to assessment, MR and now tribunal - Very quick.

I went for a appointment with my tribunal representative yesterday (the one that was arranged through my GP surgery) to go over the tribunal papers. As part of their assessment they do a mental health test, sadly I have failed it and a emergency appointment has had to be made with a GP. He was going to stop me leaving the surgery yesterday as he asked me if I would commit suicide and asked how (all as part of this test they do) and of course I told him the truth. A nice bottle of malibu and my tablets (bearing in mind I am not suicidal atm, so this came as a shock to be told this)
I just hope they don't stop the painkillers I receive atm just in case they think I am going to go through with this. The arthritis is bad enough,without this worry on top.

He was intending on calling out the GP who was holding a surgery to me as a emergency, yet I do not feel depressed or low, it was a very strange scenario.

wow Phepia, have you seen your gp yet? Will this however not be in your favour for the tribunal, as this is now more evidence that proves you need the pip allowance.

Just out of curiosity, when you were asked the question, did you reply tongue in cheek or did you really mean it.

ps if you need your medication for pain then i really cant see your gp taking it from you.

let us know how you get on got on at your emergency gp appointment.

Hi, gp app is on Monday.

Yes I did mean it as in that is how I would end things. I would like to restate that I am not suicidal, I just answered their questions truthfully.
I certainly don't think that I have the courage to go through with things anyway, I am a wimp at heart.

omg Phepia next Monday that will be over a week i dont consider that to be a very urgent appointment at all thats shocking.

Who made the app them or you? i understand you didnt want to see the gp there and then but over a week surely if they had spoken to your gp there and then they would have got you in earlier.

waiting for the app is probably making you even more anxious.

Being truthful I feel its a waste of a double appointment. As I said I don't feel depressed atm, but I am stressed and I was diagnosed with anxiety over ten years ago, but have never been offered treatment for it, nor have I asked for any. I just muddle along to the best of my ability.
I could've been seen the same day by my named gp, but she is so hard to talk to.
I have been refused help from her a few times, I call her a hard faced cow, behind her back of course.
Even the benefit advisor agreed with my concerns over her, and why I was reluctant to see how. So this is with a regular locum gp who I have seen a few times in the past and I can talk to and he always gets me and is thorough. And also as a rare commodity comparing him to my named gp he does listen and help. So of course he gets booked up weeks in advance, and hard faced cow does the emergency appointments.
Considering it was made last thing Friday gone (29th) and with a bank hold added in plus the fact I see no need to go I am perfectly happy to wait till 10am Monday. In fact if the app was with hard faced cow I would've refused to see anyone, then I would've been in more trouble. So I see it as a sort of blessing.
Of course the alternative if I had been refused would be not pleasant I daresay.
My father is schizophrenic so have seen many of the admissions side via him - not pleasant when he used to kick off.

Keep us updated phepia, I wish you the best honestly x

Okay so I have received a letter saying I have an appointment with the assessment healthcare professional at 2pm on 30th May at Upper Holloway. Big panic for me because this is two trains away AND it's 12 miles (so I can't qualify for a home visit). I'm freaking out and feeling rather quite ill (I have panic disorder...posted in this thread before).

Not sure what to do, I am actually due a GP appointment tomorrow morning for a fit note, don't know whether to mention this or not, though I'm not sure they can really do much?

There are two ways to get a home visit. One is to get the GP/consultant to draw up and send a letter/fax to the DWP to say that they recommend a home visit only for their patient due to excessive stress, anxiety, etc. The second way is to be 90 minutes away from the test centre by public transport for a one way journey i.e. just to get there (distance doesn't matter).

If both criteria are fulfilled then all well and good. The advantage of getting a home visit is that the person is more likely to get a proper medical professional such as a doctor and thus get a fairer assessment. Hope that helps.

Hi Guys,

i have my Medical for ESA on the 18th May, i'm just a bit nervous and don't know what to expect! , i hear all sorts of horror stories, i suffer from depression and anxiety and i'm currently having CBT and i fear that i',m gonna fail it

I think these are useful guides:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/be...al-assessment/

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/emp...port-allowance

I'm confused. After seeing my Gp today they said they sent my records on the 9th and I received a letter today saying I will be given a new assessment date.

Firstly just be you and don't worry. Secondly try to be brief as possible when answering questions. Look at the descriptors online and try to plan your answer so your prepared for each question as on the spot and 20 mintues or so it's hard to get everything you need to say in. (think of it like revising for an exam)


You can go on for 10 mintues and then Sundenly your ask another question and if what you've said does not match the descriptors you are not awarded the points; as no accessor will go back to question. what I'm trying to say be as blunt as you can be.

When I started claiming ESA the claims for depression and anxiety and I was put in support group. Few years on now I've had proper dignosis (Bipolar) and claiming ESA and PIP.

It's hard yes but don't listen to the scare stories. Your award is down to your answers that will or not give you points. and if you get those points your good to go.