Hey all, I am new here, and this is my first post, and I am hoping there may be someone here who can help me out with a few questions regarding my ESA50 questionnaire.
I have been on Incapacity benefit and DLA for a while, and a few weeks ago I received the dreaded letter to say that I was going to be assessed for IB - ESA and then the questionnaire arrived. I filled in the questionnaire and posted it back yesterday, and I thought I would feel better when it was done, however, I actually feel much worse because I think I may have messed up when filling out the form.
I answered most of the questions by ticking the box 'it varies' as it seemed at the only truthful option, and maybe naively, I thought it was best to be as truthful as possible when filling out the form. For every single question I wrote my answer on a separate sheet as the boxes were to small to write everything I needed to write. So for most questions, I ticked 'it varies' and attached an extensive answer on a separate sheet, my answers included reasons why 'it varies', examples of situations that may occur, things I can do and things I cant do, with the reasons why. All of my answers were extensive. However, now I am very worried because I was reading last night on another site that by ticking the 'it varies' box, this automatically gives 0 points. Is this true? What about if you tick 'it varies' and then give an extensive answer as to why, like I did? Does this still mean 0 points? I am so confused.
Also, I was reading that many people request their face to face assessment to be recorded, or state in the form that they will be recording the assessment themselves with a dictaphone, and that this may even deter them from asking you to attend a face to face. I did not do this. I again was honest and said that if I have to attend a face to face, I will be driven to and from the appointment by a friend, and that I will attend the appoinment alone. Now I am worried that I have just given ATOS exactly what they need to call me in for a face to face. Is there any way I can send in further information to attach to my questionnaire stating that I want the face to face to be recorded, and that I have been advised to record it myself also?
I am so stressed! Today I am thinking it might be easier on my mental health to actually just get a job of 16 hours a week and get my tax credits and be free of being beholden to the state in this way.
If anyone can help me with these questions I will be very grateful!
I have been on Incapacity benefit and DLA for a while, and a few weeks ago I received the dreaded letter to say that I was going to be assessed for IB - ESA and then the questionnaire arrived. I filled in the questionnaire and posted it back yesterday, and I thought I would feel better when it was done, however, I actually feel much worse because I think I may have messed up when filling out the form.
I answered most of the questions by ticking the box 'it varies' as it seemed at the only truthful option, and maybe naively, I thought it was best to be as truthful as possible when filling out the form. For every single question I wrote my answer on a separate sheet as the boxes were to small to write everything I needed to write. So for most questions, I ticked 'it varies' and attached an extensive answer on a separate sheet, my answers included reasons why 'it varies', examples of situations that may occur, things I can do and things I cant do, with the reasons why. All of my answers were extensive. However, now I am very worried because I was reading last night on another site that by ticking the 'it varies' box, this automatically gives 0 points. Is this true? What about if you tick 'it varies' and then give an extensive answer as to why, like I did? Does this still mean 0 points? I am so confused.
Also, I was reading that many people request their face to face assessment to be recorded, or state in the form that they will be recording the assessment themselves with a dictaphone, and that this may even deter them from asking you to attend a face to face. I did not do this. I again was honest and said that if I have to attend a face to face, I will be driven to and from the appointment by a friend, and that I will attend the appoinment alone. Now I am worried that I have just given ATOS exactly what they need to call me in for a face to face. Is there any way I can send in further information to attach to my questionnaire stating that I want the face to face to be recorded, and that I have been advised to record it myself also?
I am so stressed! Today I am thinking it might be easier on my mental health to actually just get a job of 16 hours a week and get my tax credits and be free of being beholden to the state in this way.
If anyone can help me with these questions I will be very grateful!