ESA Medical- Qs

Am I wrong in thinking that the statements for ESA on mental health grounds seems to describe better the way it may effect your life, than the old ones for IB? For example the qs about shopping...answering the phone..what if you were to go to the shop and become anxious and leave your shopping, or pick up the phone and get too anxious to talk? With the IB assessment it was very difficult as required a yes/no answer and there was no room for explanation. So with the new medical what kind of questions may be asked. Do they still go on about shopping etc? Was suprised that the statements used for ESA seem to more aptly describe just the kind of things might striggle with, being in new places alone, for example...trying to think of doing two things / tasks ...how can they know that though unless have spent time with you on a day to day business?

Am I just being naive as it is supposed to be a more difficult test but seems simpler...

Hi Sarah

You could be right. My ESA medical report had more detail and descriptions than my IB report. Such as, can do the washing up but usually just eats sandwiches so doesn't have much to wash up.

I'm not sure if it is down to a change in the software or the HCP taking the time to type it in, however.

Derek

Thanks. How did you find the q's, were they they same yes/no 'what can I tell my computer' (yes was actually asked that'...Do you shop? etc...how was it actually taking the test was it easier to explain stuff or no?

HCPs can ask you yes/no questions, but it's up to you how you answer them.

If you are asked if you do your own shopping, you don't have to answer yes or no. You can explain in detail what problems or difficulties you have.

For people who have difficulty talking or explaining things in detail it would definitely be a good idea to have a friend with them at the medical assessment. The friend would not be allowed to answer questions for the claimant but they can give additional information that the claimant forgets to mention.

e.g. do you go shopping?

I answered; I have it delivered.

Best wishes,
Rachel

The important thing isnt just the questions, but the criteria. I mean will the answers qaulify for points at all or sufficiently weighted to qaulify for ESA