ESA stopped after two years

Hi babs1982

The most important advice here is that you should consider challenging the decision to stop your benefit by way of mandatory reconsideration (and then appeal if necessary). It's not usually necessary to reapply for ESA following a decision to stop your benefit, but it is sometimes necessary usually when there has been a change of circumstances following the decision to stop benefit (e.g. a new diagnosis or a significant deterioration in your existing condition since the decision was made). If you think this is the case please let us know and we will advise you further.

Assuming there has been no change and you challenge the decision to stop your benefit, the next question is likely to be how do you manage during the mandatory reconsideration process during which time ESA cannot the paid. Most people now live in the universal credit full service area which means it is not usually possible to make new claim to income based JSA. It is possible to claim universal credit during the mandatory reconsideration process but this is not usually advisable because once UC is claimed you cannot then return to ESA. If you can avoid claiming universal credit during the mandatory reconsideration period you will be able to return to ESA when you appeal. If you pay rent and get housing benefit you should ask the local authority to continue making payment throughout the mandatory reconsideration process and the appeals process. It may be that you will need to visit the local authority to make a nil income declaration.

I hope this helps.

David