ESA Support Group Reviews

Cheers Gordon for the info!

Hi Chris

I have just received the new ESA50 form after being placed in the Support Group after a home medical in October. My ESA claim began about a year ago, so I don't know whether this re-assessment is because the visiting doctor said I would be improved or whether it's just an annual thing (I've been waiting five months plus for a copy of my oct medical, and have now found out they have sent my files into storage without making me a copy!).

I'd be interested to know what your friend finds out from the DWP, if you are able to let us know. I'm not generally able to make phone calls, so don't know if I can manage to do that when I'm dealing with the stress and strain of a new form and deadline, but thanks to this thread I am now feeling a sense of hope that this might just be a standard review and not the result of an ill-judged medical opinion!

regards
Rainbowlight

Hey Chris

I was reviewed a year after my initial medical and I am due to be reviewed in November this year. I suspect that they will keep me in the support group but you never can tell with theses buggers that are the DWP!

My problem is similar but not quite the same but I'll post it here and hope someone has an idea.

I had two "medicals" last year (lucky me) after applying for ESA and DLA for the first time. I was put in the support group after the Atos one and had to ask them to review the decision about DLA after an unsympathetic "medical" report following a separate home visit. When the decision was reviewed I was awarded DLA until january 2012.

Recently, i have received an ESA form to complete, presumably for review

My question is..is it worth me pointing out that my DLA is due to be reviewed shortly in my ESA application and so it makes sense to review them together at that time? Or will they just ignore that suggestion so there's no point in making it?

I am keen to avoid undergoing the extreme stress of 4 assessments/"medicals" in 2 years. Displaying my symptoms, which I have to do, is an incredibly painful, difficult and potentially dangerous situation.

Vita,

They will not wait until your DLA review, ESA and DLA are two different benefits with differnt qualifying criteria.

Further be aware, that the ESA50 questionnaire, and follow on face to face changed on 28/03/11.

For example, if someone was put in the support group for lower limb problems, (walking etc), they will now find it quite difficult as the walking descriptor has been cahnged to mobilizing, which includes the use of an imaginary wheelchair.

So we now have the scenario where people who were give ESA Support pre 28/03/11, could now struggle to qualify again.

I am wondering whether ATOS will use this to their advantage, by cherry picking existing support group claimant who they know will struggle to qualify under the new test.

bro58

Hi Rainbowlight

From what you have explained seems to be identical to the same time line as my friend. His initial ESA application was in June 2010, with the Support Group award being made in October 2010.

Whilst we understand that there are no exemptions with regard to reviews, it seems to me that some of the review periods do not reflect the type of disabilites / illnesses.

We have written to the DWP and asked for details of the guidance used to review ESA claims. It will be interesting to see what the response is.

The DWP do not seem to realise the amount of anxiety and stress that is being created as in the award letter nothing was mentioned about reviews etc.

Thanks for your information

Chris