Esa Assessment

[LaughingInside]

I just have a question for those who have been through it or maybe have any inside knowledge.

If a claimant appears quite intelligent and articulate, is this ever mistaken for excellent mental health?
It sounds awful but someone told me that the assessors have written before that if the person seems quite bright, they automatically assess them as not having severe mental health difficulties. Which of course is crap as most people know.

Also does anyone know if what the claimant wears makes any difference at all or whether their hair looks a mess?!

I'm not sure, but I have heard that all those kinds of assumptions are made. My only suggestion is to make sure the person being assessed has a witness with them to write down everything that is said, and maybe take a couple of photos. Also make use of any recording facilities the centre offers; I know they didn't used to have any, so I'm not sure what's available in that respect these days, but there might be something. Hopefully someone else will be along with more advice for you. Best of luck with it, whether it's you or someone close to you going through it.