ESA - Lots of questions from a confused mum

After attending the ESA/ATOS medical last week with my daughter who has aspergers syndrome with learning difficulties we heard today (yes, how quick was that) that she has been awarded ESA and placed in WRAG. I think she needs to be in the support group so intend to appeal the decision. I have asked for her medical report. Will this tell me how often she will need to go to these ATOS medicals if she remains in WRAG? There is nothing in the letter we received to say how long the benefit will be paid for - all very confusing and ridiculous as aspergers is a life long condition with no cure. If she has to attend the 6 interviews at the jobcentre what happens afterwards if she still hasn't got a job? Do they cut benefits? Also if she manages to find paid work/voluntary work how many hours can she do a week before they cut her benefit?

There is no set interval for repeat medicals. However, the medical report should show when the healthcare practitioner who examined her thinks that she is likely to be fit for work, which is the likely time for another medical.

If she doesn't get a job, this won't affect her ESA. She must, however, attend the interviews. You can find more information about them in the Help for Claimants area.

There is no set limit to the number of hours voluntary work she can do whilst on ESA, although the nature of the voluntary work and the number of hours she does could trigger a review of her situation if a decision maker thinks they are incompatible with the reasons why she is on ESA.

There are rules concerning what paid work someone can do on ESA. Here's a link to a government webpage about it. www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Fina...upport/esa/DG_171909

Hi Jannyjam

I'm completely gob smacked at the speed of ATOS!

When you receive the medical report it should have a 'prognosis' that states in the doctors comical opinion when her condition is likely to improve, if at all. Her next medical will depend on the prognosis but they are not usually before six months.

Pathways to Work interviews usually take place once a month for the first six months, and then they are once every six months.

Voluntary work should not be a problem provided the hours are within the limit (which I think is 16) and does not conflict with her disability. With regards to paid work or not finding a job, that would depend whether she is claiming Income-Based or Contributory-Based ESA.

Best wishes

Derek

Derek makes an important point about paid work and what sort of ESA it is. Don't forget that for income-based ESA, income affects entitlement and may be deducted from benefits. The same goes for housing benefit and council tax benefit and premiums on ESA.

Hi Survivor

Am I correct in thinking that there is a limit to the number of hours of voluntary work you can do while claiming ESA, or is it in my imagination.

Derek

I didn't think there was, but I may be wrong, so I'll check it out.