Newstyle ESA support group

berry61

HI everyone,

I got my DWP letter today stating I had been placed in the support group for ESA after my assesment period started on the 27th September.

It does state that I will remain on the assessment rate of £90.50 per week until the 27th December which is the date the 13 week assessment period should have ended. The support group rate of £138 will start from the 27th December.

I just wanted to check if that is correct ,or should the new support group rate start straight away ? I appreciate I won't be any better off financially as it is deducted from our UC. Also should this support group rate be back dated to when i first applied for ESA on the 27th Sept.

Thank you for any advice.

OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Yes, that's correct for a new claim. The new rate doesn't start until the 13th week.

If it takes longer than 13 weeks for the assessment, then it gets backdated to the 13th week. There's no additional money paid during those 13 weeks.

berry61

I appreciate that advice @OverlyAnxious

Thank you for your help

berry61

HI @OverlyAnxious ,

I was placed in the LCWRA group with UC in May this year after a work capabilityassessment. Would that not have any effect on my claim for Newstyle Esa when I should have been placed in the support group straight away or does everyonehave to go through this assessment period regardless ?

Thanks again

poppy123456

In my opinion, you should have been placed into the Support Group from the start of your ESA claim which I did advise you when you first claimed it. In your case, it really doesn't make any difference anyway because there's no financial gain.

You didn't have to have another assessment, they just made you wait the 13 weeks for the extra money.

berry61

HI poppy nice to hear from again hope your keeping well.

I remember you saying I shouldn't have needed to wait and have another assessment, but it is what it is I suppose and like you say I wouldn't be any better off financially anyway.

Thanks and take care

poppy123456

Thank you! I won’t lie, it’s been a difficult time at home for the past week. I will get there, in time!

I hope you’re well.