ESA enquiry

JustJem

Hello I've claimed income related  ESA since around 2014 and currently I have been in the support group.

I've had two paperbased assessment since then, and one was done in June 2021, and still remain in the support group which is good.

I had a change of circumstances for my PIP as my conditions like autism and mental health issues have gotten worse.. I've got PIP until 2028 which I'm grateful.

What my concerns are.. is my ESA being taken away from me and are assessments still on hold?

Many thanks.

poppy123456

Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise.
As far as I’m aware reviews are still suspended and I’ve not seen anything official that says otherwise.

JustJem

Hi Poppy,
I've been really on edge as I've managed to sort out my PIP and now that my ESA may be due soon, I'm scared.

Can they only deem you fit for work if you have a face to face assessment?

poppy123456

I am not aware of reviews starting back yet as i advised. Even if they have it could be quite sometime before you receive anymore forms because the backlogs will be huge. Most people have assessments even for reviews. I don't think the fit for work without a face to face applies now.

JustJem

Hi Poppy, thank you for being so understanding, I received a letter from the DWP back in December 2021 to say that "There has been a decision on your capability to work, you have placed in the support group."

I'm really confused as I filled in a ESA 50 form back last June, and they said I was placed in the support group and then they sent the same letter which I stated above in December.

I also got my mum to ring up ESA and apparently my review date is December 2022 or January 2023, I'm so anxious and going to be speaking to the lady at my local job centre on Monday.. I've been really suicidal.

poppy123456

The review dates are just a guide. Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise. If you're suicidal then you can speak to the samaritans on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258.

JustJem

Thank you Poppy, you have been such a great help... this should keep my nerves at bay until Monday.   Thank you and everyone for all that you do. X

poppy123456

You’re welcome. I’m not sure what your local job centre can do regarding any future review for your ESA. They won’t be able to give any information regarding that. 

I know it’s difficult but please try to relax because it could be quite sometime before you receive any forms for ESA.

Adrian_Scope

Hi @JustJem, it's good to meet you! I've just popped you a quick email.

JustJem

Update: Just found out my review date is around the 31st December of this year, however there is a backlog... how likely am I in getting a review on that date? Sorry I'm just really stressing... and sorry for repeating myself. 

I might just need some more reassurance again.. 

poppy123456

I would say it’s very unlikely! Even under normal times the timescale they give is just a guide.

JustJem

Thank you Poppy, that means a lot. X 

L_Volunteer

You are welcome @JustJem. It is the very least you deserve.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if we can do anything else to support you. We are all here for you and listening to you