A Having problems getting ESA85 Statement from recent WCA

[mr_mastiff]

On a recent visit to my GP where i asked about having an MRI and or being referred to a specialist ,

Which my GP flatly refused to do, Because they didn't feel that i was asking because i was interested in my condition, Because i was only requesting such for the purpose of providing evidence that i was sick to the DWP /ATOS ect,

And also pointed out that a consultant may say there's nothing wrong, then what would you do, ? Although i can't really see that happening as i do have genuine health issues, that would affect be being able to work,

So after asking for my GP to help/support me, as I'm unsure of my GP's opinion about my issues, i was told that I'm believed ,but i'm not convinced as my GP was open about the issue of med 3's in that they issue them on request, regardless and most probably do the same,

 

But there are some GP's won't issue them without some degree of evidence

No doubt this will be the DWP and ATOS 's reasoning for disregarding what is written on Med 3s by GP's

 

So I've been asked if i could write out a report regarding my problems and how they affect me on a daily basis, Why I'm i being asked to do this , and has anyone else ever had this asked of them by their GP ?

 

Many G.P,s only have a diagnosis on there computer screen. For example if you have osteoarthritis He would not know how many steps you could climb, or problems getting in and out the bath or the degree of pain you are in.

 

Most Gp,s have ten minutes to assess your problems/needs by writing down your day to day problems it allows them to gain a better understanding of your problems and paint an accurate picture of your condition when he is referring you or being asked to give evidence.

[tommy456]

I'm not opposed to writing reports for my GP, I just have never heard of them asking patients to do this, as i thought that i had already given enough details about what is painful ect,

 

Perhaps if you put it into perspective. How long have you been with your current GP?

 

Have they seen any reports from previous specialist appointments if applicable? Have they seen a full diagnosis of whatever your illness is?

 

Maybe they want to better understand how it affects your day to day life. Expliang your in pain is one thing, explaining how it affects you is totally differrent.

[Invalidation]

We were forced to move GP's due to my GP being totally disinterested in me or my condition, He would stare at his computer screen rather than me (despite me being roguishly handsome !)

So when we moved to our new GP I wrote a 3 pages letter describing my condition, how it affects me and an 'Average day.

She was gobsmacked and so chuffed and said she would recommend that any new patients try and do the same. Her opinion was that the medical records just didnt show the real nitty gritty and my letter gave her a much better insight into my problem

[**Margaret**]

:tommy456:

Yes, Jobcentreplus should continue to pay you until they close your claim for assessment rate following your tribunal. But the first thing you know about it may be when a payment doesn't hit your bank.

Margaret.

[tommy456]

Well the claim form arrived today, along with a couple of letters from the DWP one making reference about the contributory element of esa counting as taxable income, and one informing me that my ESA claim was ceased on the day following my appeal ,

 

Looks like the benefit office dealing with my claim is very efficient at ceasing claims , i bet they ain't as quick processing new claims ,even if no information has changed since the last claim

 

So it looks unlikely that i'll get paid this week

But that how caring this [edited] tory government with it's un elected PM really are

Edited October 9, 2013 by honeybee13

[antone]

Most offices will take 10-14 days to process a new claim. If you think you might need to request a Short Term Advance then consider sending your form Recorded, then you can prove it was received.

 

The difference between the time it takes to open a new claim and to close an old one is the main reason the former takes longer. It takes about 5 minutes to close a claim and up to three hours to set up a new one. Be assured that the processors don't like to have piles of work sitting around needing attention. Their managers like it even less. Targets, you know?

[tommy456]

Have sent the claim form with new fit med 3 today to sign for ,

 

Can i ask the mods why my last post was edited, the word wasn't a swear word or offensive the word i used is quite a accurate description of this current government who seem to be hell bent of finding new ways to persecute the poorest and sick/disabled in society,

[tommy456]

Well no money paid into my account this week,

Got a letter from local council RE housing benefit and CTR being suspended

,nice i have no money , But fear not DWP ATOS and Government I won't forget .

 

oh and got the utility company wanting payment too, along with repeated calls from a DCA and British gas

 

Asking for or leaving messages for some person unknown to me ,

at this rate I'll be able to add stress /depression to the list of medical problems i have,

 

Oh and british gas have been told that they have the wrong number ,

but it goes in one ear and straight out through the other

[**Margaret**]

:tommy456:

 

Yes, your benefit centre was very quick off the mark to close your claim. But at some point you would have had two to three weeks without a payment cos, as we've said, it takes that long to get a new claim into payment. First payment should include arrears back to the date you've claimed from.

 

Your housing benefit and council tax reduction depend on low or no income rather than other benefits. Ask for a nil income form or, if your authority doesn't use them, declare a change of circs.

 

When the next ESA50 drops through the letter box, CAG has a guide at;

 

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

 

Best wishes, Margaret.

[tommy456]

It's already been 2 weeks, and I'm probably looking another 2 weeks before they have processed the claim , The claim form and my med 3 have been delivered, but that is only a mail holding centre , do it maybe a few days before anyone even looks at my claim, What a joke setup they have ,on all fronts,

[bedofweeds]

Most offices will take 10-14 days to process a new claim. If you think you might need to request a Short Term Advance then consider sending your form Recorded, then you can prove it was received.

 

The difference between the time it takes to open a new claim and to close an old one is the main reason the former takes longer. It takes about 5 minutes to close a claim and up to three hours to set up a new one. Be assured that the processors don't like to have piles of work sitting around needing attention. Their managers like it even less. Targets, you know?

 

Very interesting comment.

 

Seems that what they should do isn't generally interpreted into what they actually do?

 

My one and only experience of making a claim for sickness benefit (ESA) was in Sept 09. In Dec 09 I started to receive the assessment rate which stopped abruptly in early Jan 10. It wasn't until May 10 that I received the back pay and the normal payments resumed.

 

Seems it was ALL my fault for doing what they told me to do and claimed JSA in Jan 10 when I failed the ESA 'test'. The JSA claim lasted all of 24 hours after the advisor at the JC 'ripped it up' and told me to claim ESA!!!! Errr why? Been there and done that - and this is the letter that says that I am fit for work! I was then told to appeal against that letter which I did.

 

It took them 12 weeks to award it then another 15 weeks before I saw anymore money!

 

As a matter of interest, where and in which leaflet does it state that you can apply for a Short Term Advance? As far as my BDC was concerned I was told that you just have to sit tight and wait for the payments to start. Be very interesting to others if you could highlight where this 'advance' comes from, who operates it and how it is claimed.

[tommy456]

Yes that's what must be in their scripts to tell customers, as i found out, they try and hide it away, it was a local council employee who informed me about it, here is some info about it http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/social_fund/short_term_benefit_advances.aspx

[**Margaret**]

:Short term benefit advances:

 

Government aren't exactly shouting from the roof tops about these. In fact they've a policy to not publicise them at all. There's nothing (that I can find) on Government websites, and Jobcentreplus staff are encouraged to direct enquirers to local welfare provision.

 

Apart from the website referred to above, some of the best info on the internet comes from the trade union that represents the Jobcentreplus staff who administer them!

 

http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/department_for_work_and_pensions_group/dwp-news.cfm/id/E6A5F6D7-4A19-4782-BF8A4893B5CFD440

 

And here's such guidance as exists from Work n Pensions;

 

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/staba-info-sheet.pdf

 

For the doggedly determined, the contact number is 08000 556688. (Yes that's the new claims number.)

 

Or the number on the last letter a claimant received about JSA, ESA, IB, IS, SDA or UC.

 

Margaret.

Edited October 13, 2013 by **Margaret**

[bedofweeds]

Yes that's what must be in their scripts to tell customers, as i found out, they try and hide it away, it was a local council employee who informed me about it, here is some info about it http://www.turn2us.org.uk/information__resources/benefits/social_fund/short_term_benefit_advances.aspx

 

Thanks for that. I know about the Hardship Payments being transferred to the LA but didn't know that they could make those payments in respect of a non means tested benefit that was delayed in payment.

 

Good on you for pointing that out.

[bedofweeds]

:Short term benefit advances:

 

Government aren't exactly shouting from the roof tops about these. In fact they've a policy to not publicise them at all. There's nothing (that I can find) on Government websites, and Jobcentreplus staff are encouraged to direct enquirers to local welfare provision.

 

Apart from the website referred to above, some of the best info on the internet comes from the trade union that represents the Jobcentreplus staff who administer them!

 

http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/department_for_work_and_pensions_group/dwp-news.cfm/id/E6A5F6D7-4A19-4782-BF8A4893B5CFD440

 

And here's such guidance as exists from Work n Pensions;

 

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/staba-info-sheet.pdf

 

For the doggedly determined, the contact number is 08000 556688. (Yes that's the new claims number.)

 

Or the number on the last letter a claimant received about JSA, ESA, IS, SDA or UC.

 

Margaret.

 

Thanks a lot, that will be quite useful!

[tommy456]

Thanks for that. I know about the Hardship Payments being transferred to the LA but didn't know that they could make those payments in respect of a non means tested benefit that was delayed in payment.

 

Good on you for pointing that out.

The help you can recieve from the local authorities i think will vary in each area, my la is only offering food vouchers for food banks,and gas & elec voucher's (only of any use for pre pay card/key meters) i think £5 in value for each

[antone]

Yes, but STBA is available. DWP staff don't advertise it because they're not allowed to, but it's there.

[tommy456]

It may well be there ,but that's not of much use if no one knows it even exists is it?,

If DWP staff are instructed not to advertise it ,or even tell someone who in their view is in need of it,

then something should be done to change this stance, as IMO it's wrong, no doubt it's an IDS idea

 

But isn't really suprising when you consider that the DWP has previous history in employing similar tactics in the past ,

no wonder there was so much unclaimed each year ,

[bedofweeds]

Couldn't agree with you more:

 

The DWP has outlined data on the various income-related benefits that were not claimed. The latest figures, which refer to 2009-10, include:

 

• Up to 620,000 people failing to claim up to £2bn in income support, and employment and support allowance
  
• Up to 1.6 million people failing to claim up to £2.8bn in pension credit
  
• Up to 1.1 million people not claiming up to £3.1bn in housing benefit
  
• Up to 3.2 million people missing out on up to £2.4bn in council tax benefit
  
• Up to 610,000 people failing to claim up to £1.95bn in jobseeker's allowance
  

I wonder if that is intentional on the part of the DWP/LA or just plain ignorance on the part of the individual claimant?

 

And as for Pension Credit as taken off the DWP website:

 

In 2009 to 2010 there were 2.62 million pensioners claiming £7.64 billion of Pension Credit. The number of pensioners that were estimated to be entitled but not claiming Pension Credit was between 1.21 million and 1.58 million. The total amount of Pension Credit unclaimed was between £1.94 billion and £2.80 billion.

 

However let's be honest, why would the government want to have all these people claim these benefits that they are entitled to. This unclaimed money, up to £12.25bn a year, every year finds it's way back into the hands of Osbourne who then has the ability to lower the top rate of tax!

[tommy456]

And make further cuts to only those benefits that make up less than 50% of the benefits bill,.

Which isn't going to really make much of a saving,

not as much as it would if they only paid winter fuel payments and cold weather payments to those who actually need those payments,

instead of paying everyone who gets the state pension regardless of the level of personal wealth ect as is currently the case

 

How is it fair that someone who is under the age of retirement has to make a decision to stay warm during the winter or eat well , heat or eat choice,

when someone who is of pension age in some cases get more money than they actually need or even want ,

 

this is the flawed system we have in place today,

and the reason is votes in the next general election not about people,

as any government,

in particular this tory government couldn't care less about us,

they no doubt are all in it together (lib dims and tory mp's) but in nothing together with the people

Edited October 13, 2013 by tommy456

[antone]

It may well be there ,but that's not of much use if no one knows it even exists is it?, If DWP staff are instructed not to advertise it ,or even tell someone who in their view is in need of it, then something should be done to change this stance, as IMO it's wrong, no doubt it's an IDS idea

But isn't really suprising when you consider that the DWP has previous history in employing similar tactics in the past ,no wonder there was so much unclaimed each year ,

 

Not sure if it was IDS's idea personally, but it certainly comes from somewhere high up. The regular line staff would rather, all things being equal, pay claimants than not pay them. It makes life easier.

[worried33]

Well the claim form arrived today, along with a couple of letters from the DWP one making reference about the contributory element of esa counting as taxable income, and one informing me that my ESA claim was ceased on the day following my appeal ,

 

Looks like the benefit office dealing with my claim is very efficient at ceasing claims , i bet they ain't as quick processing new claims ,even if no information has changed since the last claim

 

So it looks unlikely that i'll get paid this week

But that how caring this [edited] tory government with it's un elected PM really are

 

yeah I have a theory that the decisions coming back from ATOS are labeled differently depending on the result so the fit for work get processed faster.

 

In theory if not found fit for work and the DWP take a long time to process it gives you extra time before another assessment however the DWP backdated (altered) my decision last year to the date of my medical. They up to all sorts of games.

[tommy456]

Well today i received the ESA 50 letter of persecution , Still no payment of ESA Until i get some money i ain't filling no poxy form in 3 weeks with nothing

[tommy456]

Hi, i recently posted a fit note from my GP to the DWP in Chester CH70 to support my claim for ESA

I sent it 1st class and "to sign for" as i have done previously, On the Royal Fail web site tracking details it says that it was delivered on Tuesday to "NORTH WEST MIDLANDS PDO"

 

Which as far as i can see is a royal fail sorting office in Wolverhampton , i contacted royal fail, gave my tracking number, they confirmed it had been delivered and gave a name of the person who signed for it, but they too thought the North west midlands PDO was odd,

 

I have contacted the DWP also on Tuesday and they couldn't tell if it had been delivered or not, I also have had a reminder from the dwp re my fit note, as my previous one has since expired but that reminder is dated Tuesday also,

 

So i'll have to again phone the DWP on Monday to ascertain if they have this fit note or not, If they do then all is fine , but if not will i be able to get a duplicate of the fit note that my gp issued before the earlier fit note expired, without having to get an appointment to see the gp again ?

 

And IMO the local benefit office should accept the receipt of fit notes ,seeing as the Royal Fail seem to be incapable of reading an address or employing those who can read and understand english

Edited November 16, 2013 by tommy456

[antone]

It's up to individual GPs whether or not they will issue duplicates. Most probably will, especially if one is needed for benefits but has been lost in the post.