Completely confused re. change from I.B. to ESA

Hello,

My next benefit review is due on the 17th of this month. My Mum is ill and awaiting a serious op. I want to be with my parents when this happens and so as I can't carry much on the train with me I wanted to know which info. to prepare and take with me in the unlikely event that they will contact me at my parent's house.

My G.P. agrees with me that being found fit for work would pose a serious threat to my health and so I wanted to know how and when I could submit supporting evidence from him.

SO I rang my 'local' offfice (over 30 miles away)and was told that they didn't know of any backlog and so I should give them my parent's address so they could send the form there. As I am on I.B. I should be reviewed under the I.B. rules again (somewhat of a relief) however everyone would be gradually assessed under the new rules.

However I rang again yesterday to double check the address to send GP info. to and was told that there did seem to be a considerable backlog, I should receive the same old form but it would be assessed under the new rules and everything from then on would be as per. ESA.!!!!!?

Can anyone enlighten me as to what really may happen? I could really do without this added stress ata the mo.

All the Very Best
Lesley

The change over from IB to ESA is happening gradually and the government has now said that it will start in late February.

They can't assess you for ESA using an old form because the criteria are different. However, they can assess you for IB and later move you to ESA without a medical if they think they have enough evidence on paper to do that.

You don't have to send in any medical evidence with your renewal form, but given what your GP has told you, I'd suggest getting a letter from him and submitting it with your renewal form as this may mean that you won't have a medical. However, it does not guarantee that you won't have a medical.