ESA - Annual Assessment

Debt_Tired

Hello everyone

I've been on ESA for over two years - since May 2009.

As with others, I was automatically assigned ESA at the lower rate for six months (qualifying through numerous sick-notes) before my medical assessment. After an appeal, which was successful, I was upgraded to a higher level of ESA for one year, before a second assessment (June/July 2010).

After a second appeal, I retained my higher level of benefit for a second year. I should theoretically have had another assessment on the 2nd anniversary of going on ESA, but have heard nothing. Have they forgotten about me? I've had no contact with anyone from DWP or other departments dealing with my claim. Can anyone please advise me?

Best Wishes

Debt Tired

bobajob_1966

Reassessments are not automatically done on an annual basis - does your last award letter state when you should expect another one?

Debt_Tired

Hello Bobajob 1966

Good point. I appealed my original decision, which stated I was fit for work. My appeal was successful (they phoned me while I was shopping with my Dad in Tesco - and ended up bursting into tears in the bakery). From memory I have no documentation thereafter, but I will check.

Cheers

Debt Tired (wannabe Debt Free)...

pink_orchid

Like another poster says, it is not automatic. I should have been Feb this year if it was. I think they have such a lot to do with moving people from incapacity benefit, that things are up in the air a bit.
Pink

Muttleythefrog

Just listening to Kesha's song Tik Tok... I think with DWP it is more a case of Tik Tok Boom Tok Tok Bang..... ..... ..... crash.. bong tak tuk..

If you've heard nothing try not to worry. There's a chance they are using a different prognosis (indicating how long before a return to work could be considered.. typically 3,6,12,18,24 months I think), a chance they've got delays especially given the transfers coming into ESA, and there's a chance your appeals have impacted timings. Note that even your 3 month assessment period lasted 6 months..lol.. mine lasted 12 months.

dodgydave69

I have been on ESA since January this year and on my award note it says i am up for review on October 22 this year. Obviously since its getting nearer that date i'm feeling myself get more and more stressed and its really on my mind that i'm gonna get called back and have to do a reassessment to re-qualify. I'm no better than i was back then in fact i've taken a few steps back so i'm a little concerned that its not going to go well.