Does Incontinence aids effect the ESA descriptors

Pretty much as the title suggests, does the use of incontinence aids effect the ESA descriptors.

i.e If you use pads you don't qualify under the full voiding ESA descriptor .

Doris wrote:

Pretty much as the title suggests, does the use of incontinence aids effect the ESA descriptors.

i.e If you use pads you don't qualify under the full voiding ESA descriptor .

It does not IMO because its says

) At least once a week experiences (i) loss of control leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder;

SO IMO as longs as its weekly pads dont come into it


or (ii) substantial leakage of the contents of a collecting device; sufficient to require the individual to clean themselves and change clothing.


it says as much in the esa handbook that this site has made and can be downloaded in the members section

Doris wrote:

Pretty much as the title suggests, does the use of incontinence aids effect the ESA descriptors.

i.e If you use pads you don't qualify under the full voiding ESA descriptor .

Hi,

I donm't think it is quite as cut and dried as that re use of pads etc.

Without going too deep into it, for example can one actually use the pads, do the pads work, what is the frequency of and amount of incontinence etc, do clothes get soiled etc etc can all have a bearing on whether or not it can fulfill the descriptor.

Have you read the guide ''Employment & Support Allowance claims on physical health grounds: a guide to the Work Capability Assessment'' available in the members area from this page:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

as that contains a lot of useful information on incontinence.

Pete

page 84 and 85 might answer your questions

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wca-handbook.pdf

The WCA handbook is Atos's interpretation (or misinterpretation) of the law. I wouldn't rely on it as a guide.

Derek4 wrote:

The WCA handbook is Atos's interpretation (or misinterpretation) of the law. I wouldn't rely on it as a guide.

your right but in this case it does a half decent job of giving an idea of whats what and ties in with whats wrote in the guide that members can download IMO of course