ESA support group descriptors

[mushkin85]

Would the following descriptor apply if the person went for a face to face assessment:

 

"Engagement in social contact is always precluded due to difficulty relating to others or significant distress experienced by the individual"

[rossa]

My guess would be that it would only apply if the person was significantly distressed during the assessment. That's only a guess though.

[estellyn]

I would argue that an assessment is not strictly speaking 'social' contact, and that also the ability to attend one mandatory assessment with great difficulty and support, does not mean that it isn't 'always' precluded under normal circumstances.

[antone]

I would argue that an assessment is not strictly speaking 'social' contact, and that also the ability to attend one mandatory assessment with great difficulty and support, does not mean that it isn't 'always' precluded under normal circumstances.

 

Yes. The mere fact that someone attended a medical (under what is effectively duress) can't be taken to mean that they can cope with social contact in general.

[**Margaret**]

:mushkin85:

 

This descriptor for social engagement has come to the attention of several tribunal judges during the last eighteen months or so.

 

We've got a distinction between social engagement (going to a dinner party with friends) and statutory engagement (seeing one's doctor or fronting up to Atos). Actually getting to a doctor or Atos is considered statutory engagement, especially if the claimant has to be coaxed into a conversation with the assessor. A claimant who can engage in chit chat with the doctor's receptionist or the supermarket cashier is unlikely to meet the descriptor for the support component.

 

Latest case from the Upper Tribunal;

 

http://www.osscsc.gov.uk/Aspx/view.aspx?id=3947

 

Best wishes, Margaret.

[Nystagmite]

The thing is, the ESA assessment only shows a snapshot and some of us do pretend to act normal infront of strangers.

[Lilly_Monroe]

Yes. The mere fact that someone attended a medical (under what is effectively duress) can't be taken to mean that they can cope with social contact in general.

 

I actually got that fact mentioned on my medical report as a plus point - well I passed the medical!

You have got to attend these medicals, no matter what the cost health wise, and I did point out in both my ESA form and to the doc who carried out the medical that these medicals, well any place I HAVE to visit, messes me up for days after.

I do not choose to go out accept for these must does (they could sit outside my house for weeks) and monitor me, I go nowhere.

So make it known how it effects you.

[Consumer dude]

In those extreme situations, can't they vist you..

[antone]

In those extreme situations, can't they vist you..

 

It is possible in some cases, yes. You need to ask and sometimes provide supporting evidence from your doctor. But even if they come to your house, that still involves contact with strangers and it isn't optional.

[**Margaret**]

:Engagement in Social Contact:

 

The issue here isn't about physically travelling to an Atos centre. It's about whether a claimant sits in silence on the bus, or in a taxi, and leaves a chaperone to pay the fare. Or whether s/he can chat to the driver about the weather, or the news, or whatever.

 

When Atos agree to a home visit and the claimant (cos of his/her condition) has to be encouraged out of a bedroom to sit mute or talk in monosyllables , it shouldn't count as social engagement.

 

For claimants who need a home visit cos of mobility problems, or anxiety, agoraphobia;

 

http://blog.atoshealthcare.com/2012/08/atos-healthcare-arranging-a-home-visit-for-your-work-capability-assessment

 

Margaret.

[PomBlue]

Would the following descriptor apply if the person went for a face to face assessment:

 

"Engagement in social contact is always precluded due to difficulty relating to others or significant distress experienced by the individual"

I would have thought that anyone who was this bad would be assisted by a helper.

 

 

This question, it would seem to me, would apply to someone who never goes out and only engages with a very limited and trusted number of people.