ESA Medical Assessment - Any Advice!

[Shystar]

1000s of people on many forums unhappy with medicals .. many more have no problems atos like any company make mistakes tell them about what you can and cant do not whats wrong with you

Thanks for your reply Dave. I shall be honest and explain what I can and can't do. I have got nothing to hide, I will be taking my GP supporting letter along with me at the medical.

[Shystar]

I am back from my ESA Medical Assessment, I was in there over 35 mins. I was bag of nerves, anxious and shaking like a leaf in the waiting room, nearly cried at one point.

I had a lady doctor who asked me questions about my disabilities/illness/medications and how It's effect my abilities etc. Nothing about TV/Hobbies/Pets as I was expecting to be asked to be honest. I was asked to touch my toes, but I refused it I know It would give me discomfort/hurt on my upper spine/neck. And asked If I could turn my head side to side, which I cannot do. As my neck rotation is very limited.

I think It's went ok, but not getting my hopes up. It will take to up 2-4 weeks to find out what the outcome is, as I was told this by the Doctor. Thank god It's over and done with, at least I can sleep tonight lol.

[Shystar]

Hello, just a little update.

I received the dreading letter, I have been put in the Work Related Activity Group. I honestly thought I was going to fail, as I have read some awful stories on the internet. I am not looking forward taking part in work-focused interviews, with a new personal adviser? I am dreading that I will have to do courses/training, as I am not very good with mixing in a group of people etc. I really stuffer from bad anxiety/panic attack in group environment.

Should I appeal to be in the support group? I worry that I would lose my WRAG altogether. Anyone got experience being in WRAG?

It's says "the amount on this page from 8th of June to 30th September 2013" Does that's mean I am on the WRAG for a year then, basically?

Thanks.

[Shystar]

Oh great, I received the letter from my local Jobcentre. I have got appointment with the ESA Personal Adviser Interview on the 23rd of July, they are on the ball.

Is anyone on ESA WRAG on here? Would anyone kindly tell me what happen in the interview? How long is the interview? I know there are 6 interviews, what happen after 6 interviews are up? I am not looking forward to it to be honest with you, I am worry that they might push me into looking for work and courses/training. I am more anxious now.

Thanks.

[JPR]

Hi Shystar,

Sorry cannot help with your question as not near that stage yet,still on the questionnaire stage but have a question for you.What was the time scale from you sending in questionnaire to receiving phone call to attend medical assessment and time between phone call and the actual assessment?

[ElToro83]

Oh great, I received the letter from my local Jobcentre. I have got appointment with the ESA Personal Adviser Interview on the 23rd of July, they are on the ball.

Is anyone on ESA WRAG on here? Would anyone kindly tell me what happen in the interview? How long is the interview? I know there are 6 interviews, what happen after 6 interviews are up? I am not looking forward to it to be honest with you, I am worry that they might push me into looking for work and courses/training. I am more anxious now.

Thanks.

Do you have to have your interview at the job centre, or are they still dealt with by action for employment?

[Shystar]

Hi Shystar,

Sorry cannot help with your question as not near that stage yet,still on the questionnaire stage but have a question for you.What was the time scale from you sending in questionnaire to receiving phone call to attend medical assessment and time between phone call and the actual assessment?

I send off my ESA50 Questionaire in early April, then It's was around end of April time, when I received the letter for my ESA Medical (18th of May). But 3 days before my medical, they contact me again by letter, stating that It's has been cancelled. Early June, got another letter for the date for my ESA Medical Assessment. (Which I had it on the 20th of June) I found out on Tuesday that I was placed in ESA WRAG. (By the way I am deaf, so they had to contact me by letter)

Good luck with yours and thank you for your reply

[Shystar]

Do you have to have your interview at the job centre, or are they still dealt with by action for employment?

I've read the letter again, look like I'll have to have my interview at the Jobcentre. With ESA I am all new to this.

[seriouslyfedup]

Only thing I can add is from reading other people's posts on other forums about these interviews. Most people have met friendly helpful advisors and a minority not so helpful. It's supposed to be about identifying what personal help you might need in the future to help you back into work.

They can't force/push you into doing anything. Some people have said their advisor realised at the first meeting the person isn't fit/ready to attend future wok inteviews and have agreed to do some of them by phone ,just to keep in touch. etc etc. So everyones experience seems to be a bit different.

One thing which seems new this year is being asked if you want to voluntarily attend a back to work programme or course. . If you volunteer for this, you're mandated onto it from then, and can't easily get out of it. So keep that in mind if the subject comes up. It might not even come up , as not everyone has mentioned it. Think it happens more with people whom ATOS have decided will be fit for a return to work in approx 3 to 6 months.

[Shystar]

Only thing I can add is from reading other people's posts on other forums about these interviews. Most people have met friendly helpful advisors and a minority not so helpful. It's supposed to be about identifying what personal help you might need in the future to help you back into work.

They can't force/push you into doing anything. Some people have said their advisor realised at the first meeting the person isn't fit/ready to attend future wok inteviews and have agreed to do some of them by phone ,just to keep in touch. etc etc. So everyones experience seems to be a bit different.

One thing which seems new this year is being asked if you want to voluntarily attend a back to work programme or course. . If you volunteer for this, you're mandated onto it from then, and can't easily get out of it. So keep that in mind if the subject comes up. It might not even come up , as not everyone has mentioned it. Think it happens more with people whom ATOS have decided will be fit for a return to work in approx 3 to 6 months.

Thank you for your reply and your info, much appreicated. The last paragraph is interesting and I will keep that in mind.

I decided that I am not going to appeal, as I do not want to take the risk. Just hope I will get a nice understanding personal advisor and I will shall explain about my disability/condition wise.

Thank you once again.