What does the decision letter look like?

Jurph

Hi. 

I received a letter about my ESA claim yesterday but I'm reluctant to give a sigh of releif until I'm sure.

It doesn't make a great deal of sense. It has 3 different figures on it - £73 from December until March, then £125 from March until April then £126 from April.

It mentions the support group but there's no statement like I had with PIP. 

There's no dates or anything else. Is it a decision letter?

Government_needs_reform

@Jurph hello again, No need to panic, the letter you've recieved is the yearly updating letter. With the figures you've quoted it looks like you are already in the Support Group of ESA.

If you want to find out how long till your next review will be its best phone the number in the letter and they should tell you roughly when it's due again.

whistles

Sounds like it.
You might get an updated letter at the end of the tax year- April. 

Mine looks a bit like yours with the March and April comments. 

I think the forms are designed to make sense only to the dwp, not us.

I didn't understand my pip letter!

Jurph

Thanks!

It's my first claim for ESA so I wasn't in any group.
it looks like a standard end of year letter but does mention a support group.

Jurph

I also don't understand where £125.55 comes from at the gov websites states I should get the £109 figure

whistles

Just guessing as I'm that group.
Did it not mention a premium or disability guarantee? £15.90 off the top of my head. 

Someone who understands things more will see your post and reply. 

Jurph

Now I'm really worried. It doesn't mention that.

This obviously isn't a decision letter is it?

wilko

Hello, I guess you have been put into support group if so you will not need to send in fit notes any more. If you are already in the support group the payments most likely updating you on current payments and the latter is when new increase starts in Aprill . To be sure ring DWP who will confirm what any payments are for. 

whistles

It sounds like yours says 
Living expenses xxx
Support group xxx 

Its national insurance contributions as well, maybe you are income related. 
Do call if you need it explaining though. 

We get a Christmas bonus which is good as I don't celebrate it. 

Jurph

It says from 9 April some rates will change. Then...

20th December 2017 it's £73.10 (that I've been getting)

Then from 21st March it'll be £125.55

Then from 11th April it'll be £127.15

On the last page it says how we've worked it but just states the £73.10 from 20th December 2017 to 20th March 2018

It says they've looked at it again following a recent change? I'm guessing the WCA as that's all that's happened. It's income related as haven't worked for a few years.

whistles

£127.15 is the right amount for the support group next financial year, next month.
Are you on pip? They are separate benefits but do like to hold hands sometimes. 

Government_needs_reform

@Jurph as mention above I would defo say you've been placed in the support Group following a WCA did you attend one recently, if so that's possible reason but as advised to comfirm it with the DWP it will not cause any issues for you.

Jurph

@Governments_A_Joke yes. I had the assessment a month ago. I was expecting the decision but this just isn't clear. Not like a proper decision letter like you get for PIP

@whistles I applied for both at the same time. I've been denied Pip with zero points. Even after Mandatory reconsideration. I'm in the process of appealing.

whistles

Did you go for work assessment test type thing?
Not sure if you can request a copy of that like you can with pip.
But it doesn't tell you what you score on the letter like pip will have.

Jurph

Yes. It was horrific (they were running 3 hours late!)

I thought it would be similar and would say something along the lines of 'after your assessment, we are awarding you X for X years'?

Thanks for your replies today. I was getting worked up by it all. You've both kept me grounded.

Government_needs_reform

@jurph they've put in the support group. That answers it then now you had WCA a month ago Just phone DWP and they will explain all, as you got that letter before the decision.

Let us know once you've phoned them how you get on will be interesting if correct. 100% sure that's what's happend.

Jurph

Ah, that makes sense! I've got letter 2 before letter 1.

I'll ring them tomorrow and let you know.

Thank you so much.

Government_needs_reform

@Jurph as to how long? while your on the phone you can ask how long in the Support Group it won't cause problems buddy.

Jurph

I've put it on the list. Thanks

Government_needs_reform

Jurph said:

I've put it on the list. Thanks

@Jurph As a rule the max in the support group is 3 years, but it is indef but can review anytime after 3 months, but doubtful I've been in the SG for over 4 years now. My PIP is Ongoing. Good luck remember to fight your PIP decision.

whistles

Never had a WCA just to confuse it a bit more.