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Reassessments for Employment and Support Allowance

userinfo1

Could anyone advise what the current state of affairs are regarding reassessments for ESA? I was put in the "Support Group" about 20 months ago and I assumed that after 2 years that they reassessed claimants. My condition has certainly not improved as its a "lifetime" condition and I am constantly back and to the hospital.

In the last few weeks I have made sure that I have supporting evidence yet again for this stressful pantomime of events to claim benefits when my condition and illness will never improve.

I have this sat in the back of mind and worried over it all. Both my doctor and the hospital have provided me with medical reports clearly stating that I am "unfit" and this is "lifelong".

Could someone explain what is the currently position is with the re-assessments I have read contradicting messages on here stating "that there is still a huge backlog" and also read some new claimants are get assessed?

Is there still a huge back log on re-assessments? Daily I am dreading the postman coming to do the door and have to go through this charade over again when clearly nothing is ever going to improve!

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Comments

poppy123456

For the majority of people in the Support Group reviews are still suspended. There were selected few that were reviewed last year because they hadn't had a review for several years or more.

Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise. All you can do (like myself) is wait. I have no idea when they will start back for everyone but when they do, yes there will be backlogs.

Meg24

I've been in the support group since 2009 and had reviews in 2015 & 2018 but nothing since. However I have had 5 DLA/PIP reviews in that time. I wish we did have a better idea when they would assess us, it's horrible waiting for the letter to drop or worse, worrying that it might have got lost in the post. I try not to think about it, just check my account each fortnight with my finger's crossed.

userinfo1

Many thanks for the comments.

I totally understand now that they are suspended and it is look of the draw with the reviews in the Support Group.

However could someone advise if they are still sending the ESA50 forms out whilst all things are suspended?

Or is it the case they send they out still expect you to complete them and you dont hear back from them?

it is just I am putting everything together just on the assumption I will be reviewed but from what you are saying many are on suspension and a huge back log?

userinfo1

So what I am saying is if the ESA50 form arrives is this a sign your being reviewed or is it a case you still fill it in but could be wating months and months for any review due to the suspension?

poppy123456

They are suspended so no ESA50 forms are being sent out. When they do start back there will be backlogs. When they do start back and you eventually receive the form it could be several months before a decision is made.

userinfo1

@poppy123456 Many thanks for your comments.

It has helped me a lot so I can stop going into panic mode but in the background I will make sure as I have always done ensured I get supporting evidence at every stage from consultants at the hospital for my condition and disability.

All my medical records and supporting evidence I keep exactly for this so that there is concrete evidence to support my application.

userinfo1

Many thanks for the update!

Honestly this makes my condition worse worrying about this and how utter inefficient that they are with things?

I totally understand the back log situation and people in the "Support Group" reviews are still suspended.

However are they still sending that nasty ESA500 form to complete whilst it is suspended to fill in and you never hear from them due to the suspension? Or have they totally stopped sending them out and it is a big waiting game to get one then is indication your due for a review.

I am gathering all the medical evidence at the moment and don't know if it is a waste of time and worry if they are still leaving every in suspension status. I am not stupid that I will still get the evidence just in case!

But my claims is about 18 months old and know it is due for a review…. but are you all still getting these nasty forms to complete and send in but you never hear off them? Or are they have put a halt on that and as soon as you do get one you know that they are reviewing you!

Sorry about this as I know that form is bad enough to complete but are you all still getting them even though things are suspended?

userinfo1

Many thanks for your replies.

OK I understand the situation with the suspensions and I am still making sure that gather all the evidence just in case.

However, are you all still getting those nasty ESA500 forms to fill in and send back regardless? Or as it is suspended no forms have been sent out?

The forms are awful to fill in and from memory it took days for me to complete to make sure everything was correct and worded how they want it!

So my question is as soon as they ESA500 form arrives on your doorstep is that they indication your up for review and need to complete everything! Then will be seen by them.

Or are they still sending them out regardless of this suspension (making you worry and sickened doing them) and you simply dont hear back from them?

66Mustang

You are doing the right thing to make sure you always have up-to-date evidence to call on if it's needed

As for the form, they will only send it out if they want to review you, so yeah if you get one don't ignore it, but at the moment I wouldn't worry about getting one at all

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/871082#Comment_871082

I already advised that when they are suspended they do not send out ESA50 forms.

coombsie

hello

First post ever here :)

I receive ESA contributionary based and in he support group

My first renewal is July 2024

I have everything ready forwhen they contact.

My question is do I contact them as the date is getting closer and no ESA50 has droppe trough my letter box

thanks in advance

poppy123456

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/871751#Comment_871751

Did you read the comments in the thread before you posted? Reviews are suspended so it's highly unlikely you will be contacted in July. Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise.

No, you do not need to ring ESA because your award will not stop. Even in normal times, the date you were given doesn't mean you will be reviewed at that time. This is why ESA decision letters have no end dates on them.