IB to ESA letter has arrived - couple of questions please.

[Retro_uk]

Firstly I'm new here, so hello! I have lurked in the past, just to get a feel for what all the changes are going to bring.

 

So much time passed since the changes were announced, that I had almost forgotten about them, until my letter arrived this morning. It asks me to ring them with a telephone number, which threw me, as in the past they have simply sent out the claim forms. I had a medical not long after I had my motorcycle accident and since then I have simply filled in the forms and had my IB continued as normal. Last form was 4 years ago I think.

 

Needless to say, I'm extremely anxious. I guess some people would ask why you are anxious if you have nothing to hide. But it is clear, as has been mentioned here, that the claims aren't really aimed at helping you out! At least not these new assessments from what I can see.

 

I haven't had a chance to phone them yet as they aren't there on a Saturday, so now have the long weekend wait until Monday. I don't sleep well at the best of times, so this weekend is going to be long :/ I notice in the form it asks for a health professional who knows you best, but fails to give G.P as an example? I assume if your G.P does know you best then it is ok to name him? In the past it has mainly been the option for them to contact your G.P. I'm slightly worried about that, as I have only been with my G.P for just over a year now, and he still isn't really up to speed with my whole medical history.

 

Sadly my old doctor, who was around when I had my initial accident, left his practice, and then it closed down, so I had to move. Since then no G.P has ever stayed very long. This is now the longest I have had a regular G.P in quite some time. A quick flick through the form doesn't seem to give much scope for mentioning lack of use in individual limbs (which affects me more than that form would seem to want me to explain). My left arm especially, which was basically almost torn off at the elbow, makes things difficult s it lost muscle etc and has no strength of dexterity anymore.

 

But in the past they have never acknowledged that at all other than me having to squeeze in information where I could. Almost like they would like to ignore it because it "looks normal". Even at the first medical I ever had, I was puzzled that they didn't really say much. I am right handed, but having no proper use of a left arm/hand has been a struggle to say the least. But as I say, it seemed like one good arm was good enough for them. I'm sorry, this has gone into a long waffle.

 

Truth is I don't really have anyone else to talk to about this. I have an aunt and uncle who are my only real family left. But I don't have much contact with them, and they would be more of a hindrance than a help if they went with me as they don't know enough about my symptoms etc. So yes, I wish I had someone close to me, but I have lived alone for a long time now and have soldiered on - which is something I had no choice to to do. But now fear they will take that as a "oh well he lives alone, how difficult can he find things".

 

Anyway, the specialist doctor section. Can I name my G.P? I don't have any ongoing treatments at the hospital at the moment. My operations on my arm and legs were all done a fair while ago, and nothing else can be done to improve them. I suffer neck pain, but had a MRI scan a few years back and was told an operation would be too risky to try and alleviate any pain where it was broken (I was lucky in that I broke C4 in my neck but didn't dislodge it) but it now gives me a heck of a lot of discomfort and pain. But as I say, they wouldn't consider an op because of where it is and the inherent risks. So no more specialists for that either.

 

What worries me most, is if they fail me and lower my money while I try and appeal. It might sound like a lot compared to normal benefit money. But the £120 I get per week doesn't go far when I'm the sole person living here and have to pay for bills, prescriptions, dentist, rent top up etc. Sorry to dump this here.....just need to get things down and feel like I have someone to talk to. Thanks if you bothered to read it all

 

edit: I did put paragraphs in but it has removed them?

[Invalidation]

If youre already on IB and are simply on the Migration from IB to ESA then they cant lower your money while you are being assessed or even while you appeal

[reallymadwoman]

1. You are under absolutely no obligation to phone them or give them your phone number, in fact you may be better off if you don't since that means that both DWP and ATOS have to put everything in writing. It sounds as if you already have the ESA50 form anyway so there's no reason why you would need to phone them.

 

2. Whilst you should of course give as much information and additional evidence as you possibly can, if you've read other threads you will be aware that it will mostly be ignored. If your GP is really the best person to tell them about your condition, give their details. Chances are the most that will happen is a quick call during which your GP will confirm whatever diagnoses they are aware of.

 

3. So far as the form itself is concerned, before you fill it in familiarise yourself with the actual descriptors since quite often the questions on the form bear no relationship to them. For any particular question, if none of the boxes fit exactly ignore them and write in the box how you are affected. Use as many additional sheets as you need to give all the information, just remember to put your name and NI number at the top.

 

4. Why are you paying for prescriptions if your only income is benefits? Or the dentist for that matter. Are you sure you're not entitled to free prescriptions?

 

Finally, take it one day at a time. Read about other peoples experiences by all means, but remember that the ones posted on the forum are more likely to be the bad rather than the good. Some people get put straight through without an assessment, some people have to go all the way to appeal and no one can predict which you will be.

 

If you have any specific questions, ask away as there's plenty of people on here who will help.

[Retro_uk]

Thanks for the replies so far!

 

1. No not got the ESA50 yet. I literally just got a letter today telling me about the changes etc and that a form would be sent to me after I have phoned them. I take it I just call and either refuse to give my number (wouldn't that put me in a bad light to start off?) or tell them I'm calling from a friends.

 

2. Been on long term incapacity for a long time now, so G.P is really the best choice as hospital treatments were concluded long ago.

 

3. It all started when I needed some dental treatment to replace some crowns. Long term incapacity benefits isn't listed on the claims form and neither is it listed on prescriptions. I can't recall the exact reasoning now, but I was told I wasn't covered from exemption. So I have always paid for eye tests, dentist, and of course all my prescriptions.

 

Yeah,you are right with regards people usually post about bad experiences, rather than the good ones. The same all over the internet of course. I have read a fair few in the past, but while they do give you an insight in to the procedure, they do also give you cause unnecessary worrying. I'm trying to cherry pick those that just give details of the medical examination etc.

 

In the past I've always filled in the forms and never really worried. But this all feels more like a witch hunt rather than looking after peoples needs.

[Nystagmite]

You're right - incapacity benefit doesn't give you free prescriptions, etc. It's a contributions based benefit, which technically means you can have loads of savings in the bank and a partner working full time and still claim the benefit.

 

You can fill in a HC1 form to get help with the cost of prescriptions, etc. You can get the form from the job centre.

[**Margaret**]

:Retro_uk:

 

One thing you don't need to fret about is the initial phone call, unless you enjoy talking to Jobcentreplus Contact Centres:?: The caller reads info about the transfer process from a script. Most of it and more, including the latest descriptors, is available in the booklet below;

 

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

 

If you don't phone they'll send an ESA50 anyway, but you'll need to keep an eye out for it cos they're very good at getting lost. Page 4 of the form requests contact details for your general practitioner and asks if there's an additional professional or a carer (psychiatric nurse, physiotherapist, etcetera) you'd like contacted, but they rarely contact either. There's a (slightly dated) but still useful guide to completing an ESA50 at;

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?316210-ESA50-Guide

 

And if you need a guide to the mental health part, there's one on Rethink's site.

 

Prescriptions and dentistry on the grounds of low income;

 

http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/HealthCosts/2733.aspx

 

01912 790565 gets you a real person to speak to.

 

Your current rate of incapacity benefit will continue to be paid throughout the transfer process until there's a decision as to your eligibility for employment n support allowance. If you're found to have limited capability for work, but not work related activity, the award is only payable for a year but if you've no other income you'll be able to transfer to an income related award.

 

In case you need it, you should know that the appeals procedure changes later this year. For decisions before 28 October claimants found fit for work can be paid assessment rate employment n support immediately they've appealed. On and after that date anyone without other income will need to claim jobseekers for the duration of reconsideration and appeal.

 

Best wishes, Margaret.

[Retro_uk]

Would it not be best to speak to them on the phone, to at least acknowledge the receipt of this letter (in case the form does get lost. Been there with a housing benefit one. They said they sent it, but I never received it. Then I get a stroppy letter dropped through my door that someone had called to see me!) One reason I hate dealing with them, as you rarely get a sympathetic person.

 

I just tend to be a bag of nerves since my accident. I rarely go out, have constant upset stomachs through worry. I've had anxiety attacks several times. I don't know why to be honest as I used to be a confident person. But nowadays I always think the worst.

 

It's silly because I have numerous scars and plastic surgeries on my body, so it isn't like I don't have physical, noticable proof of my problems. I guess being alone a lot lets you stew on problems as you never have anyone to distract you. Hence me writing here to be honest. Everyone seems kind and helpful.....and more importantly, understands

 

So if I do dare to phone them (I know people say you don't need to. But even ignoring that will have me in knots) and they ask for my contact number, will it be a "black mark" against me if I refuse to give it? Many thanks.

[reallymadwoman]

I got the letter and totally ignored the instruction to phone with no problem what so ever. If the form hasn't arrived within say 3 weeks, you could perhaps phone then to check but in the meantime start completing the online one so you have plenty of time. In fact, the only reason you need the ESA50 sent through the post is so you have the envelope to send it back in.

 

Easy for me to say I know, but try not to worry until you have something specific to worry about.

[**Margaret**]

:Retro_uk

 

We're not saying don't phone Jobcentreplus. We're saying you don't need to if you don't want to. I know more people who've 'missed' the call (me included) than have accepted it, without repercussions. But there's no reason not to call them if that's easier for you. If you want to call them, but don't want them to have your phone number, that's fine as well. Just explain that you can't cope with/get confused by/ don't remember phone calls. Everyone's entitled to conduct their benefit affairs in writing, and with Atos it's safer anyway.

 

Guide to completing the mental health part of the ESA50 questionnaire and some tips about supportive evidence at;

 

http://www.rethink.org/living-with-mental-illness/money-issues-benefits-employment/work-capability-assessment

 

? Whatever's easiest for you, Margaret.

[Retro_uk]

Ok, thanks for that. I'll keep an eye on the post for the form, and as you say, if it hasn't arrived in 2-3 weeks I'll give them a call. I live in flats here with a communal letterbox and post does genuinely get mixed up all the time. I just can't cope with speaking to someone. I need to sit and write things down - it is too easy to forget essential stuff in a stressful conversation. Many thanks

[stu007]

Hi

 

One thing to do while you wait for the Form is to collate as much medical evidence as possible.

 

i.e. prescriptions, mri scans, any Gp/Hospital appointments, even look up your condition on the internet basically anything that is medical evidence to send with the completed form, ask your GP or Consultant if they can provide a supporting letter

 

Now with the ESA50 Form itself please take your time completing the form, Leemack ESA50 Guide on this is will be of help this is the link:

 

.http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...10-ESA50-Guide

 

Now if you would rather have the form to take your time filling it in then this is the latest ESA 50 Form in PDF format with Form fields to fill in:

[LifeIsAMess]

Hi Retro

 

If you are going to take the phone call please don't worry about it. It's very straightforward and simple, then you just wait for the form to arrive if you want to fill it in by hand or like the others have said if you want to type it out you can start doing that now to give yourself plenty of time.

 

I changed GP a few years ago and as my main physical disability for my claim is not curable or going to get any better I don't see my GP for it often. Just a monthly script of painkillers. I just finished filling mine out on Friday and I'm going to email/post a copy of my ESA50 with a covering letter into surgery to be included in my medical records so that my GP can be fully aware of how my condition affects me on a day to day basis. This will also be useful should DWP/ATOS request any info from your GP so that he/she can refer to what you have written on the form. It may also be a good idea to make an appointment with him/her and discuss what you have written in your ESA50 if and before it gets to that stage. Even if they are not willing to make your form part of your records then at least your GP will be brought up to speed on your condition in writing and you'll have peace of mind knowing that you haven't left anything out.

 

Good Luck and try not to worry - easier said than done I know

[Guest]

yes I had the same letter 2 weeks ago, I haven't rang them, I find phone calls confusing and I don't remember all they have said anyhow, in writing is best for me, I will wait until the end of this week and maybe have to ring if the form hasn't arrived, ive already printed off the esa50 and got it more or less completed, any form I send them will go recorded delivery for sure, and with plain capitals letters requesting a recorded assessment if they think one is needed.

[Retro_uk]

Lifeisamess - appreciate that I'm on a similar position where my accident happened a long time ago, and they basically have done everything they could with me quite some time ago. Which I would imagine is the same for a lot of people.

 

I'm more than happy with them having access to whatever medical stuff they want. I have had numerous operations, scans, plastic surgeries, MRI scans etc. All in my medical record. As far as I know they should have had access to it all in the past anyway, as I have filled in several of the forms in the past when they wanted to reassess me. In the past I usually heard back several weeks later saying they were carrying on with my IB. This was with no real medical stuff included, other than whatever they may have asked my G.P and a list of my pain medications.

 

However, I'm aware that this time it could be very different! I tend to write down all my answers into a notebook first and read over them again and again, as it is very easy to forget things when you are stressed. Sadly I lost my last notebook when my flat was refurbished a year or so ago. Although nothing has changed, it would have been handy as a starting point as I know I had everything jotted down as best I could.

 

Once again, thanks everyone. It is nice to talk to people.....not been a nice day today sat here alone. I only have my brother who is local, but he is an alcoholic and is always drunk whenever I have tried to contact him

[Guest]

I have been on incapacity benefit with income support added, its been paid at £101 per week, as it combines the two benefits I have been entitled to free dentist, prescriptions etc due to the income support. Am just wondering if yours is the same? and you should be getting the free stuff? the incapacity benefit for me is £30 per week topped up with £71 income support. I was refused free prescriptions when I said I was on incapacity but on checking with DWP it was explained that I was entitled to free prescriptions and told to state income support on the paperwork, which I always do now.

[Retro_uk]

I can't recall the details about the whole prescription thing. I am on long term IB and initially I had been refused stuff like a disabled parking badge. I'd asked for one for my aunt who lived near me at the time and was taking me to hospital, shopping etc. And although I could only use one arm and was in a wheelchair back then, they refused me a badge for some reason. The prescription thing happened around the same time.

 

Then a while after that, my dentist told me that I needed some crowns redoing as the previous dentist had done a terrible job (which he had to be fair). My dentist asked me to fill in the relevant forms but they were refused.

 

A while after that he called me in and had me fill the forms in again and told me not to ask any questions, and about two weeks later told me I could have the new crowns done. He fiddled it somehow and just told me it was best I didn't know. But he was annoyed I'd been refused so god knows what he told them!

 

Just found the last letter I received when I had the yearly increase. It doesn't really explain what my main allowance is:

 

Basic rate £101.35

Additional pension £3.15

Invalidity allowance £7.55

 

Total £112.05

 

That's all it says. Found some older ones and they break it down with the same description.

[**Margaret**]

:Health Costs:

 

Based on national insurance contributions incapacity benefit isn't a 'passport' to prescriptions, dentistry, etcetera. However, a claimant without savings above £6,000 whose only income is incapacity benefit may be entitled to full or partial help on grounds of low income. Disability living allowance doesn't count as income.

 

Margaret.

[**Margaret**]

:Retro_uk:

 

You been on a trip down Memory Lane:?: I think the two components you can't identify were the components of invalidity benefit (the predecessor of incapacity benefit), and they're still showing as transitional additions on the computer.

 

Unfortunately invalidity benefit was based on national insurance contributions as well. Not sure about the free prescriptions but if your income's only just above income support level it's worth an enquiry about partial help.

 

Margaret.

Edited August 4, 2013 by **Margaret**

[Retro_uk]

Yeah sorry, I tend to waffle when I am stressed and trying to calm myself down. I do a lot of talking out loud to myself.....which has prove to be embarrassing at times

 

I appreciate people sticking with this and not being put off by my ramblings.

[Guest]

i am just wondering what the £101 basic rate is made up from? if its a mixture of income support and incapacity benefit, then topped up with the other two? sorry if I am confusing the issue but I would check it, I rang them and put my daughter on to do the enquiries when I found out...just a thought. Its saved me so much, although now that I have also been diagnosed diabetic I don't pay anyhow for prescriptions, eye tests/glasses.

[Guest]

Getting back to the actual issue of this thread.....I too am in the position of waiting for the esa50, and haven't spoken to them/rang them, as it said in the letter, it came 2 weeks ago, I am giving it until the end of this week by then it will be 3 weeks and if no form has arrived I will ring them, and as usual (whether necessary or not) with anything important, I shall write to the address on the letter that came, saying same I do on the phone, and send it recorded delivery. They then cant say I didn't respond, and its a paper trail if they try the old "we sent it and you didn't answer" trick. After the last episode I had with them I will leave nothing to chance and back myself up as much as I can.

[Invalidation]

Lifeisamess - appreciate that

I'm more than happy with them having access to whatever medical stuff they want. I have had numerous operations, scans, plastic surgeries, MRI scans etc. All in my medical record. As far as I know they should have had access to it all in the past anyway, as I have filled in several of the forms in the past when they wanted to reassess me. In the past I usually heard back several weeks later saying they were carrying on with my IB. This was with no real medical stuff included, other than whatever they may have asked my G.P and a list of my pain medications.

 

Be very careful and understand, YOU will have to provide your medical records to ATOS, they will not seek it. You will need to contact you Doctor and maybe even Hospitals to obtain full copies of your problem and prognosis.

You need to download the ESA50 and start filling it in. You will also need a PDF reader and writer, I use 'Foxit' that allows me to write to a PDF document.

Fill the ESA50 in as fast as you can then review it every day and change and modify it with respect to the ESA descriptors.

Write out an Average Day report, again with one eye on the descriptors. Get friends and family that know you to write down how they feel about your disability.

Understand fully. Both ATOS and the DWP want to take your money from you any way they can, fair means or foul.

[Nystagmite]

I would also keep a diary to make filling in the form easier.

[Retro_uk]

It's really annoying that they have had all this stuff in the past several times over. Nothing has changed since then, and that they want to do as you say, and try and twist things to their advantage, is so despicable.

 

I will make an appt to see my G.P, and do as I usually do. Write down all my answers on paper so that I can amend as necessary before filling the form in. It's scary reading about having to send proof of problems and prognosis. This all happened to me many years ago and has since become - like another poster in this thread - just pain management and me having adapted myself as best I can to whatever disabilities I have.

 

That has of course, all been explained to them in several assessments over the years. I know I'm feeling sorry for myself when I say this. But to have been through this process so many times, and then them go at it again, feels like I'm being picked on. I know that isn't the case. But for people like me, who have settled into a routine of adapting, managing etc. To suddenly try and provide details of early stuff (and from doctors who no longer work at the hospital) is daunting and downright scary.

[Nystagmite]

You shouldn't need to provide evidence of early stuff. I never did.