Hi, I'm nickh! Worried I'll be found fit for work in upcoming ESA review

nickh

Hi I'm in the support group an hence been since 2016/17 I have one face to face assessment an was put in the support group then a paper base on I'm due a assessment again in Oct 23 ESA told me at Xmas 21 I'm worried they will find me fit for work I'm on more medication now aswell for anxiety pain relief an depression is this the normal to worry I have cerebal palsy in my RHS since birth but was involved in a bus accident in 2014 damaging my left arm an hand still got a claim ongoing an was put in ESA support group aswell after I was made redundant at work 

Cher_Alumni

Hi @nickh and a warm welcome to our online community, how are you doing today?

Thanks for joining us and asking a question about what's on your mind. I think it's natural to worry about our finances and the benefits system can be a massive source of stress for many, so please don't think you're alone. It's 'normal' to want long-term security.

Our members will be able to offer more wisdom, but my immediate thought is October is a long way off yet and much can change in that time, so don't ruminate on something that's out of your control if you can. Distraction is good! And we will be about for you to ask any questions prior to your review, when you get a date.

I've moved your post to our ESA category and tweaked the title to help others spot your question and reply. 

All the best and take care 

poppy123456

I think there's a lot of people that constantly worry about this, it's part of claiming benefits. WCA reviews are still currently suspended. When they do start back up there will be huge backlogs so you may not be reviewed anytime soon.

When you do receive the forms you just need to make sure you give as much information as possible.

nickh

Cheers I'm just worry where. An I find out if the assessments are still suspended an also on w I review my review questionnaire am I right in thinking I carnt come out of support group unless I have a face to face review 

poppy123456

nickh said:

am I right in thinking I carnt come out of support group unless I have a face to face review 

That no longer applies. Most assessments are by telepbone, some are by video or face to face at an assessment centre.

nickh

Do they still do paperbase assessment 

calcotti

nickh said:

Do they still do paperbase assessment 

Sometimes.

nickh

Are the reassessments still suspended as of today jan23 my reassessment is supposed to be Oct 23

poppy123456

nickh said:

Are the reassessments still suspended as of today jan23

Yes, there's no changes since my advice yesterday. Only reviews are suspended.

nickh

What number for ESA I going to check something 

durhamjaide2001

nickh said:

What number for ESA I going to check something 

Telephone: 0800 169 0310
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Find out about call charges Source https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

nickh

Cheers

nickh

Just Ringing to see when my review should be I thought it was October this year 

durhamjaide2001

nickh said:

Cheers

Your welcome let us know the outcome when you ring them. 

nickh

That said in dec21 when I rang them an said I had moved house that my review was in Oct 2023 il find out now an let you know if it is or been extended 

durhamjaide2001

nickh said:

That said in dec21 when I rang them an said I had moved house that my review was in Oct 2023 il find out now an let you know if it is or been extended 

Thanks 

nickh

Do u think it will have been extended without me knowing yet Im sat in a queue 

poppy123456

nickh said:

Do u think it will have been extended without me knowing yet Im sat in a queue 

Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise. Reviews have been suspended for more than 2 years and it's unlikely that you'll be reviewed anytime soon because once they start back up the backlogs will be huge.

Even with timescales in normal times they're nothing more than a guide.

nickh

Just got thru to them after a hour wait on phone.  the gentleman said it still showing as October 2023 at min it's too soon for them to make a decision. but to be honest with you if u have been in support group for a whilec(which I have over 6 years) he said things were unlikely to change  and they will just extend it  an il stay in support group.  Don't worry an thanks for calling 

durhamjaide2001

nickh said:

Just got thru to them after a hour wait on phone.  the gentleman said it still showing as October 2023 at min it's too soon for them to make a decision. but to be honest with you if u have been in support group for a whilec(which I have over 6 years) he said things were unlikely to change  and they will just extend it  an il stay in support group.  Don't worry an thanks for calling 

Thanks for updating us 

nickh

Does that sound about right