[Sexbomb]

Anyone know what happens after the 2 week period after receiving the letter that says, we will call you soon to discuss the moving off IB to ESA? I got it and it says call us if you haven't heard from us within 2 weeks of the date of the letter.

Do they send another out saying something if you don't answer to them? I'm too frightened to pick up the phone as I think it could have been them calling but the number was withheld so I feel anxious about it.

[Butters Bread]

Dont worry about the phone call, its just a bod reading a script informing you about the next part of the process. All you do is comfirm who you are and that you understand.

Then the fun bit starts when they send you the form to fill out. Where that is concerned get help/advice on completing it (citizens advice can help)

also search this forum there have been loads of threads on this topic.

[womer_uk]

Originally Posted by Sexbomb

Anyone know what happens after the 2 week period after receiving the letter that says, we will call you soon to discuss the moving off IB to ESA? I got it and it says call us if you haven't heard from us within 2 weeks of the date of the letter.

Do they send another out saying something if you don't answer to them? I'm too frightened to pick up the phone as I think it could have been them calling but the number was withheld so I feel anxious about it.

They should write to you after three attempts have been made

It is imperative that you DO NOT give a phone number if you can. The reason for this is ATOS (the contractor) deal entirely with your claim, and will ring you up to give you an assessment, if you dont answer, its a letter you get, and a a freephone number to ring.

If you are computer literate you can download the ESA 50 claim form from here ....

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum.../dg_195544.pdf

You can fill this out NOW as a typeable PDF file, and send this in when it's due.

From the letter you only get 4 weeks to send it back, with a reminder after 3 weeks.

Make an appointment with your GP and ask him if he would be kind enough to do you a letter (you'll probably get charged for this) about your condition, and ask him to put in a paragrph that in his opinion you are unfit for work at this time. Send this back with your ESA50 form when it's due.

ATOS then send an ESA113 to the doctor you named on the ESA50 to ask for evidence of how your illness affects you for looking for work, once that comes back, they'll probably have you in.

This has a list of rooms they use for your "assessment"

http://www.atoshealthcare.com/downlo...uly%202011.pdf

some of them are a pig to get to if you are phyisically disabled !

Best of luck !!

[Butters Bread]

Originally Posted by womer_uk

If you are computer literate you can download the ESA 50 claim form from here ....

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum.../dg_195544.pdf

!!

Oh for flip sake, I spent an hour on the phone to them asking if they did an online version of the form as im registered blind and couldnt read the paper one. They just told me to get a mate to fill it in for me ?

cheers for the links womer_uk, Ive saved them for next time.

[Sexbomb]

I'll use the form to practise on and see how I affected day to day, I don't feel much hope on passing this as most of my probs are mental issues

[jkwelly]

Originally Posted by Sexbomb

I'll use the form to practise on and see how I affected day to day, I don't feel much hope on passing this as most of my probs are mental issues

It's not as bad as some people make out, mine are mental health and had no problem, I was put into the support group.

[Butters Bread]

Originally Posted by Sexbomb

I'll use the form to practise on and see how I affected day to day, I don't feel much hope on passing this as most of my probs are mental issues

Oh I really know where you are at OP...

but you MUST NOT give up

womer_uk has given some excellent advice.

Now you need to ring the DWP and get the aural scripted message done and dusted. Its no more really than agreeing to terms and conditions. They will do all the talking and no questions about you will be asked.

As for the form. You need to make sure thats completed as best as it ever can be. Get the best help you can muster and include as much specific issues you have as possible and make sure its printed or at least the hand writing is clear and easy to read.

[scotch]

Originally Posted by jkwelly

It's not as bad as some people make out, mine are mental health and had no problem, I was put into the support group.

I had the same- I thought i woul be declared fit, but was surprised to see they had put me in the support group.

[womer_uk]

Thanks for the thanks !!

I've been through this lot with these scum before.

Note, if you ring up you get shoved to a call centre, (mines Derby), believe me, these dummies know NOTHING, and they simply e mail the back office.

Note they will NOT give you either a direct line OR an address either !!!

DO EVERYTHING BY POST, as the staff deny you ringing up, or simply put the phone down !!!!

Don't fall for the, "we need a number so the back office can ring you back", if you do give a number, make sure it's a mobile, if it comes up "private" ignore it ~ it's them !!

This site has a shed full of free info and advice, (highly recommended)

http://thefullfacts.com/esa/forum/

good luck, don't let these call centre scum get away with it !