Straight into Support Group with no medical

I want to thank you all for all the help given to me during this process. It has been a very worrying time. When I was migrated from IB to ESA I was put straight into the WRAG group with no medical, I hadn't the energy to appeal so accepted it. This time I had read a lot of the information on this site and know without a doubt that is what made the difference because my health is not any different from before. The letter to say I was in the Support Group said it was because of a recent change which I don't think is right. Maybe the way I answered the questions this time made a difference. There is no time as to how long I have got the Support Group for. I'm wondering if I should contact them to ask but I'm afraid of rocking the boat too. Once again thank you all for all your invaluable help.

Jessica

Hi Jessica,

That is great news! Thanks for letting us know, and for your kind words about B+W

Unlike DLA/PIP, ESA is actually an indefinite award that can be reassessed at any stage once 3 months has passed since the original decision - thus claimants are not routinely told when to expect reassessment.

In practice, each claimant is given a 'prognosis' which is when reassessment should take place. If you want to know when this is likely to be you can phone DWP and ask for the 'prognosis' or you can write and ask for a copy of the ESA85a form. If you wish to have a copy of all the paperwork associated with this claim you can submit, in writing, a formal Subject Access Request.

Subject Access Request

Contacting DWP in this way will not affect the decision on this claim nor when to expect reassessment.

Edited to add - there is helpful information on this thread

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=topic&catid=10&id=100034

Thank you Mrs Hurtyback, I think I will contact them for my own peace of mind. I would rather have an idea when I may be reassessed rather than an unexpected surprise. If I ask for a formal Subject Access Request will they send all the relevant documentation I will need or do I need to be specific in what I ask for?

Jessica

I got a letter today to say I'd been put into the support group. I phoned them to ask how long it was for - and she said two years. I cried down the phone I was so relieved, and she was very kind.

So I wouldn't worry about asking them, you need this information.

Oh and just to add, mine too said a 'recent change' which turned out that it was that they'd read my form. Five months ago.

Thank you Jazabelle, I know what you mean, it is a big relief. I can relax now over Christmas. I will get in touch with them tomorrow.

Jessica