Some statistics information.

INCREASE IN ESA CLAIMANTS PLACED IN THE SUPPORT GROUP
The latest ESA statistics show a considerable rise in the proportion of ESA claimants making it into the support group.

In the quarter to September 2018, for ESA initial assessments:

• 47% were placed in the support group, up 5% on the last quarter.
• 21% were placed in the work-related activity group, up 1%.
• 32% were found fit for work, down 6%.

For repeat ESA assessments, the figures are:

• 72% support group.
• 16% work-related activity group.
• 12% fit for work.

PIP AND ESA APPEAL SUCCESS
More positive statistics for claimants with an appeal were released by the Tribunals Service this month.

Overall, an extraordinary 70% of social security appeals are successful, with the claimant getting a better award than they originally received from the DWP.

The success rates for benefits include:

• ESA 74%
• PIP 73%
• DLA 66%
• UC 58%

The success rate for PIP is up 4% on a year ago, whilst the success rate for ESA has risen 5%.

So, if you have been turned down at mandatory decision stage, please don’t give up.

The odds are most definitely on your side.

Good luck,

Steve Donnison