On ESA - I am having an operation soon, do I have to inform? (More details inside)

donibobonny

I have Crohn's disease (for a long time) and have been awarded support group ESA about a year ago after being on the other type for even longer, however soon I'm having an ileostomy which will hopefully fix some of my issues.

I applied for PIP also and asked the woman doing the assessment if I needed to contact the DWP about it (the operation) and she told me no as I'll still have the Crohn's afterwards was awarded ESA for however the Internet seems to say different.

Note part of my ESA is due to sheer anxiety from making phone calls/going outside and so I'd really prefer not to so either of those things if I don't have to.

So, would I be okay either 1. not contacting? 2. waiting until after the procedure to see if condition improves?

Thank you for any advice.

poppy123456

You only need to report changes after the operation if your conditions mean you no longer qualify for the Support Group.

donibobonny

How do I know if I no longer qualify without calling them? Thank you for your reply.

poppy123456

Look at the descriptors for the Support Group to see if any still apply. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/support-group-descriptors

The information you gave about your mental health suggests to me that nothing will change and there’s nothing to report.

donibobonny

Okay, thank you. That lines up with other information I've been given in waiting until after the operation to see if anything changes in regard to exhaustion, anxiety/mh issues, continence etc.

That's a weight off my mind. Thank you.