I applied for ESA in March 2020 and received a phone call yesterday from Medical Support Services to say that due to COVID-19 I will be interview via telephone. I wasn’t quite sure what they meant as the phone call was very rushed. I think they said that they had a date for me, when they checked on their system again it seemed to have gone and said they’d phone me back at some stage today. I’m really worried about the call as I’m not sure if the call back today will be the actual medicinal interview for just a date for the interview. Can anyone offer me some advice? Also, what should I expect then to ask me during the interview?
Thanks in advance.
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Soupy56
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Take a deep breath. If it is a date for the call fine. Clearly you need to prepare by jotting a few notes. Please do not just say you have Fibro. Some accept it is real but it varies in severity and therefore if you have to be in support group or Jobseekers. Start with what you are like ,concentration, pain and mobility. What job did you do and what skills you have attained is for them to ask! With some preparation you will be less inclined to panic I hope. Update when you can. Your experience will help others .Gentle hugs
Thank you so much for your speedy reply. I so appreciate any guidance you can offer. No word from them so far today!
Can I ask you why I shouldn’t mention the Fibro to them. It’s not mentioned in my application as I hadn’t seen the consultant at that stage but it was diagnosed in hospital a few weeks later. I also have Polycystic Kidneys which causes swelling in my joints, high blood pressure & frequent UTI’s and I will need a transplant eventually, Menieres Disease, Osteoarthritis.
Have you mentioned these other conditions? Sometimes they will ask a question and further down they will ask it in a different way. They did this on my first one but I had been warned!! Hope your appointment is soon. Take care and stay safe Lynne xxxx ❤️🤗🌈💜
Yes I did mention the other conditions and backed them up with Doctors/ Consultants letters. Are you on ESA? I take it it’s quite hard to get from what I’ve heard.
Fibromyalgia is recognised as a condition by DWP and if dismissed as not being a valid health condition by and assessor, you have grounds for a complain against them
Medical Support Services phoned and I now have a date for a phone interview on Mon 22nd June re my ESA application. I feel really anxious and stressed which has my pain levels at an all time high. Just wish they could trust the reports from my GP and Medical Consultants without having to cause me more stress.
hiya Soupy 56 ,well im waiting with you too. I have also applied for ESA and also had my PIP review been turned down and now in process of appealing ,so we can wait together x I wish you well
Just giving you an update on my ESA telephone interview as promised. The good news is I was awarded LCWRA the next day!
I received an email from Universal Credit to read my Journal and there was the wonderful news I had prayed for and the back dated money was in my bank account the same day.
I’m now sending my appeal back to PIP to go to tribunal. I wonder how long it will take to get a date for that? Do you think because I’ve been awarded LCWRA that my PIP claim will be looked on more favourably? Please let me know how you get on with your claim.
Hi and glad to to hear this , all the distress it has caused. I think ,i may be wrong ,that you will have to go through process of Tribunal as your PIP was stopped and be prepared for a long wait.Its ridiculous as why would u get your ESa without good reason. I have been told my ESA decision wont be much longer now. Have sent my appeal off n DWP have till next week to accept or whatever. At least you can mention your award now in your appeal as many of descriptors must surely be similar so good luck ,
Hi Soupy 56 , had a telephone tribunal and won my enhanced daily living back for 3 years. I will get it back dated till Jan when it stopped .Please keep in there as the tribunal , although exhausting , listened and understood.
They said only reason they could not give decision then was the 3 people that spoke to me on tribunal call were remotely working , it would be made after the call. Well I phoned the next day n requested letter by email but got the letter just 2 days after my call. Now waiting for my money from DWp who I called to chase up.xx
Hi soupy56 I just read this thread and was wondering how everything went with the call,I have one for esa on Wednesday morning myself and would appreciate any tips or advice,
Hi i would "lock" your post also as the whole world will know your business other wise!
Hi Soupy. Both ESA & PIP focus on the way your conditions affect your ability to manage daily activities. Whatever they ask you, explain as you are on your very worst days, if symptoms vary.
You really need to emphasise what you CAN'T do & not what you can eg I can stick something in the microwave but not cook a meal fresh, from scratch, which (assessor put in report that I could make my own meals!).
I was assessed face to face last year but someone here who had phone assessment said their report said they didn't SOUND nervous or anxious!
Get advice from CAB or other benefits advice organisation & make notes on how each of the descriptors affect you on your worst days so you have that in front of you as a memory aid.
I didn't have a clue & couldn't have done it without help.
Don't give up if refused - I got PIP at first attempt but got ESA reinstated on appeal.
My condition has got a lot worse from I applied. I had my meds changed again yesterday by my GP. I also ended up at A&E, after seeing a Doctor I then saw a physio and was given crutches to help with my mobility.
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