Esa

henryv

I’ve just got IB to ESA assessment and scored no points, although I’ve been on IB for seven years due to a heart condition and having my second Pacemaker, I also have DLA mobility higher rate, and lower care rate indefinitely.
The letter say’s my IB stops soon, but doesn't say much else, my Doctor has given me a three months sick note, which I have sent off, I believe I need a GL24, so questions, what do I do now, will I receive any money while I appeal?
Any help with this crazy world of ESA I’ve joined, I would be most grateful.

David

rogerblack

You don't need a GL24, though that is one option.
You simply need to send them a letter saying you are appealing, giving enough information to identify you, and why you are appealing.
You are now no longer on IB, you're on ESA, and you've failed the medical, so your payments stop till you appeal.
You are then paid only the assessment rate.
If you were on high or medium-rate care for DLA, then during the appeal you would also be entitled to the disability premiums.

Having 'a heart condition' or a pacemaker definately do not qualify you for ESA.
However, they may lead to symptoms that will qualify you.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/m-06-11.pdf

Is the list of descriptors.

For example, if you cannot 'mobilise x meters' (repeatably, reliably and safely) - walking or in a wheelchair, that may entitle you to ESA.
Similarly, if you black out, or ... if not being found unfit would endanger your health.

jonty1970

You will get the assessment rate, that is the same as job seekers allowance.
You must send in a current sicknote and keep sending them in.
Any break in sicknotes and your money gets stopped.

You may have to get one backdated to when you were found fit for work.

My sister was told to just put in writing, that she wanted to appeal, but not that she needed to also send in a backdated sicknote. She was without money for weeks, while it got sorted.
She was passed from pillar to post and it made her worse (she has rapid cycling bipolar)

lynnysinger

hi there..the esa is trying to focus on getting us all back to work within the realms of our disabilities and illnesses, so migrating from IB to ESA is going to put many thousands of people into the same situation. Does your pacemakerkeep you well, or are you physically too ill to consider working, even part time? I only ask because it may be that you need to appeal, as many do. Have you spoken to your consultant/gp about the effect working may have on your health, and wether you may be able to consider part time without it affecting your health.
either way, i hope you get it sorted and merry christmas
x

henryv

Hi,

Many thanks for all the replies, I went from 0 to 24 points and put in the support group on appeal, with a recommendation of no re assessment for at least two years, that was three weeks ago, nothing yet from the DWP. How long does it take to sort this out?

Not to bad, only 9 months of worry, guess I'm just one of many who have or are going through this.

PippaGirl_2

Crikey that's been a long time, what a stress for you! It can take a few weeks to sort out, sometimes a phone call can speed things up but the back pay will come.

henryv

It’s been a nightmare, 6 weeks with no money backover last Christmas,they lost my appeal form, Then my GP, Consultant and PM all involved, I was told by Welfare Rights back in January it would take until October for my appeal, it was a little earlier, but all that time 9 months, to be in the interview only 20 minutes, it then just took 10 minutes for the panel to overturn the DWP decision.

So do you think phone call a will help?

banana

No ,a phone call will not help .

It will cost you a lot in terms of time and money -around 20-40 minutes waiting on 0845 number.

It takes roughly 4-6 weeks to clear the backlog of decisions/arrears payments and there is no way around that . You are in a queue to be dealt with and when you reach the end of the queue you will be paid everything you are owed.

Im pleased that you have been awarded the correct number of points now.

mandiskem

im wondering my ib ran out in may and they are still paying mine i phone them up in march to ask for a renewal form they said i dont need to do nothing for now they will get in touch with you as an when they need to

Cpt.Scarlet

mandiskem wrote: »

im wondering my ib ran out in may and they are still paying mine i phone them up in march to ask for a renewal form they said i dont need to do nothing for now they will get in touch with you as an when they need to

IB is an indefinate award with regular assessment (for some), so it will not run out and will continue to be paid until you are transferred to ESA, on the assumption that you are not excluded from the process due to your age.

mandiskem

No im 37 i know about esa change the letter i had yesterday i will find out what its bout tomoz thanks cpt