ESA50 form during PIP tribunal

Aron

Hello.

I was awarded PIP over a year ago and requested to take it to a tribunal, it was due to be last month and I didn't wish to attend. I then received a letter to sign to allow them to my medical information. Then today I received a ESA50 form, now I do receive ESA but I was only reassessed fully towards the end of last year. I'm worrying sick about having to go through it all again and I wondered if anyone knew if it might be to do with the tribunal? Or if it's even allowed for them to reassess so quickly?

Thanks, Aaron.  

Dotty123

They can reassess you 3 times one after other 

poppy123456

Hi,

They can re-assess you anytime from 3 months. Unfortunately, you'll need to fill out the form and return it with all your evidence no later than the date stated in the letter.

Aron

Oh okay. I have been in the support group for 8 years and when I contacted them after the last one they said they had suggested 4 years before next reassessment, so it seems strange.  

poppy123456

"suggested" being the word here. Firstly the maximum time as a guide for those in the Support Group is 3 years but not everyone gets this time. They can re-assess you anytime from 3 months.

Aron

Right okay, thank you for your response. It's a joke, it's for mental health issues, surely they have to realise what this does to people! I had to have my PIP assessment 6 months before that one and it wasn't even close to being due, then my money was stopped 3 times last year due to a "technical issue" and every time it causes weeks of being unwell. I'm starting to think they're doing it on purpose. 

wildlife

ESA and PIP are completely separate benefits. My advice would be to ring the number on the letter that came with the form. That will be the assessment company. Ask if this is a mistake as you were only assessed (say exactly when you had your last Face to Face) Mistakes are made and it is unreasonable to expect you to have another assessment so soon after your last one. It won't be related to the Tribunal as that is for PIP. I don't agree with doing anything you feel is unjustified without questioning it. Even if they still say you have to have another review ring DWP and question it again. Make sure you get something in writing if they do cancel it and make a record of everything you do, dates, times who you spoke to and what was said. If both of these insist you have to be reviewed you can contact your MP for help and/or write a letter of complaint to the assessment company. It's only February and if you were reviewed for ESA late last year, the normal timescale is 3 years for reviews not months.  

Dotty123

My friend had assessment f2f then following week another 

poppy123456

wildlife said:

the normal timescale is 3 years for reviews not months.  

This is not correct, i'm afraid. For ESA they can re-assess you anytime from 3 months. My last re-assessment was 2 years from the date of the one before that.

wildlife

OK I stand corrected about the timescale for reviews for ESA. But if anyone is happy to keep being assessed than fair enough. If not like the OP they are perfectly within their rights to question it. 

Aron

@wildlife thank you for replying, I think I will do that, it really does seem unreasonable. My carer is writing to our local MP requesting help and if they say I have to do it I think she's considering approaching a solicitor because it just keeps knocking me back to square one, I don't know how they expect you to ever get any better.

michfinch

My sympathy, I don’t think they understand mental health issues. I have Epilepsy (since 1972) Depression and Memory Loss and send a Fit Note in every 28 days for UC, my Dr asking to see me every 2 weeks. I have a PIP and an ESA Appeal. I must quote from the Complaints and Correspondence Team re UC, letter received 12 February 2019, “You have stated that due to the history of your health conditions you have been unable to work for three years. Fit Notes provided by your GP state you are unfit for work and you confirm your Psycologist confirms this, however for Universal Credit purposes you have been placed in an intensive work search programme whereby you need to take steps to prepare for work and attend meetings at the jobcentre with your work coach”. What a farce!!

Aron

@michfinch I'm so sorry to hear you've been treated like that, best of luck with your appeal. There is no common sense involved in this system but I'm sure once you have had it investigated they will have to reconsider. 

michfinch

Good luck to you too :-)

clarkjohnson

Hello Minchfinch it's designed to confuse and mentally destroy people and it's working 

michfinch

It certainly is. I was a high flying businesswoman before a massive Epileptic Attack and a near Nervous Breakdown (due to, mainly, an Alcoholic, now, ex husband). I’ve not recovered. However, I still have fight left in me and I’m fighting for us all. I’m now in touch with Amber Rudd’s office and will give it my all. Will post how I get on. Don’t give up! I’ve also been in touch with my local TV Station, using my former PR contacts and skills. I am like a terrier with the bit between my teeth :-)

clarkjohnson

Well you've got my backing I'll take you for a walk anytime keep biting respect 👍

michfinch

Thank you clarkjohnson this darned White Elephant needs a shake up! 

clarkjohnson

It does your right the way people are being treated is just plain wrong . I get a bit fed up hearing oh the Dwp were fine with me and then hearing so many others saying completely opposite. All I no is at my health assessment the person I saw couldn't give a **** about my well being or emotional feelings it was a joke and had no bearing on why I was there . 

Dotty123

They found over 12,000 no points it makes our doctor out liar saying we’re unwell it’s a disgrace x

michfinch

How cahow can a Nurse Practictioner override medical professionals with more qualifications and are specialists in what is wrong with me/us?!! 

michfinch

How can even!! 

clarkjohnson

I said doctor I keep hearing voices comeing from my underpants he said don't worry there talking *******