How long have I got?

dirtmother

I am unable to work due to ill health and this continues to be the case, so migration to ESA time has come around. I knew it wouldn't be long so I have done my level best this year to see if I can push myself to the point of having a part time earning capacity but it hasn't worked out (yet... ever hopeful!) Fitter but not weller, if that makes sense. However, we have just about decided as a family that it is not worth going through the ESA medical, given the current evidence on where the vast majority of people with my condition are being allocated and the time limits on non-means tested Work Related Activity Group. Whilst I don't have emotional health difficulties otherwise, my experience of my last ('unsuccessful') DLA medical and ('successful') ICB medical was devastating. Receiving the initial migration letter brought it all back.

My question here is simply this: if I just ignore all communications and wait for them (and their money) to go away, how long do you reckon it will take? Or if I can bear (at this time of year) to go through the motions up to but not including attending the medical will that give me significantly longer before the axe falls?

Torry_Quine

Personally I would advise you to complete the ESA 50 form to the best and fullest of your ability. Many have been transferred over without needing to attend for the 'medical'.

rogerblack

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Personally I would advise you to complete the ESA 50 form to the best and fullest of your ability. Many have been transferred over without needing to attend for the 'medical'.

Add letters you may have from any medical profesionals about your case, or anything else cogent.
Would a medical at home be easier?

Parva

Totally ignoring it is the worst possible thing you can do. As stated above, just go through the motions. If you are genuinely ill then there's no reason that you won't be put into either the WRAG or Support group. Worst case scenario you lose the ESA50, you can appeal this and still continue to receive ESA at the assessment rate (which you are presumably on now).

dirtmother

It turns out that ignoring the letter was absolutely the right thing to do.

I have now received the assessment form *without* having to do anything, contrary to the contents of the initial letter (which was going to involve 2 phone calls for various reasons). Could have saved myself a lot of stress and not very helpful "if you are genuinely ill" remarks if I'd known that. As they provide a date it has to be returned, I know I have ICB until then whether I decide to do the form or not.

Torry_Quine

dirtmother wrote: »

It turns out that ignoring the letter was absolutely the right thing to do.

I have now received the assessment form *without* having to do anything, contrary to the contents of the initial letter (which was going to involve 2 phone calls for various reasons). Could have saved myself a lot of stress and not very helpful "if you are genuinely ill" remarks if I'd known that. As they provide a date it has to be returned, I know I have ICB until then whether I decide to do the form or not.

My advice though was to complete the from when it came which it now has. You only have one month and if you don't send in the form then your benefit will stop.

Parva

dirtmother wrote: »

It turns out that ignoring the letter was absolutely the right thing to do.

I have now received the assessment form *without* having to do anything, contrary to the contents of the initial letter (which was going to involve 2 phone calls for various reasons). Could have saved myself a lot of stress and not very helpful "if you are genuinely ill" remarks if I'd known that. As they provide a date it has to be returned, I know I have ICB until then whether I decide to do the form or not.

What was so wrong about the comment? I didn't assume one way or the other and actually figured that you were genuine and was lending my post to that side in my response. Oh well, glad it worked out.