My sister went for her medical last week and not only was she asked how she got there but was asked if she had had managed to complete the form herself or had she asked someone to fill it in for her. So she told him the truth and said she had managed to fill it in but had had to keep going back to it. She was even asked to answer some simple sums. My mum went with her and didn't think she would get it.

Hi Bevie ...

Glad you have had a good experience , apart from the near cancellation . Theses things happen everywhere though, as my Rheumy appt has been cancelled twice 30 mins before i was due to set out . You can't account for sickness absences.

Nothing to do but wait now .

Your GP , i think needs a bit of education , as their failure to provide you with a report , could mean that you have to go through the appeal process.

Hopefully they have enough information/evidence to make a decision that you are not fit for work ..however ..

If you have to appeal you would need to get the Gp's evidence since DWP does not normally ask GP's direct for their "Factual Statement" for ESA at the initial stage. But may do if you ask for a reconsideration or appeal.
We see this too with DLA claims ..where the DWP do not contact GP's / Consultants unless someone asks for an appeal or a reconsideration.

Remember you do have the right of appeal , and must appeal, with any extra evidence, within one month of the decision letter...
If you appeal you will stay on the assessment rate of ESA until the decision is reconsidered or a Tribunal decides an outcome.

The DWP will telephone you with a decision , if you are found fit for work they will ask if you wish to claim Job Seekers Allowance..they should also tell you of your right to appeal ( however we have had a number of cases where the right of appeal was not fully explained , and claimants were guided to claim JSA. Do not accept this info)
Very Good Leaflet HERE

and general ESA HERE


If you are in the work related group .. then you may have to attend the work programme..This started this summer , and hence the practical side of this has yet to be seen ..

See.. Work Programme .. Direct.gov

Even if you are found to be eligible for ESA then ask for a copy of your ESA85 (medical report from ATOS) as this will be very handy further down the line , or at your next reassessment, and you will be able to see any errors that the nice Nurse has made.


Let us know how you get on , and remember evidence is being collected on this transition from IB to ESA.

Rich :)

It is a new harsher system , unfortunately , but as always it is better to see an adviser face to face to discuss options. It shouldn't be that way .. but it is :(

Might not come to that since you have provided , it seems far more info for them to be able to make a decision on , than most people .

No choice but to wait for the call , as you can do nothing until a decision is reached .

Rich :)