2nd ESA medical assessment

I had my ESA assessment last November or December, I think. Then I had to go back for the Work Focused assessment thingie. They put me in the Work Related Activity group and I have been to all of the sessions and completed it to the advisor's satisfaction.

Now I'm being sent back for another health assessment. I was told that it was because the first doctor who assessed me put in a note that I needed to be re-assessed in six months.

How normal is this? My condition is a chronic illness and has only gotten worse. Could I be put in the support group this time? If they keep me in the WRA group, will I have to do all those pointless exercises again? Will I have to keep going back every 6 months forever?

Hi Ann,

Unfortunately, having to have another medical after only six months isn't that rare.

It is possible that you could be put in the support group this time. It would be worth checking the support group descriptors and seeing if you think any of them apply to you. You'll find them in our introduction to ESA guide.

You may have to attend another Pathways to Work interview, but it should only be one this time, rather than six.

Good luck,

Steve

Thanks. That's a relief, only having one interview. Based on the descriptors, I believe I should have been in the support group all along, but I was too sick to appeal last time.