Has anyone got any up to date information regarding ESA reassessments pls?

RS2014

Hi – Writing on behalf of my son who is very unwell.

Does anyone have any up to date information in regards to the following and ESA reassessments? -

http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/2653-atos-responds-to-news-on-reassessments-for-esa-claimants

(Would have posted on that forum but you have to be a member).

The reason I ask is according to my sons ESA forms from his paper based assessment ‘work could be considered December 2015’ but we have literally only just gone through a PIP assessment a month ago which was pretty horrendous. (According to the points he was officially awarded he easily qualified for enhanced mobility and daily living components and has been given a 3 year award).

He has been on ESA for about a year but since the award was given his condition is even worse (Have kept DWP updated throughout). He had a paper based assessment originally. The thought of another assessment after finally sorting PIP (which was a very unpleasant experience for us all in the circumstances), is concerning us.

I know no one can say for sure and there’s always the chance that DWP can reassess at any time, but is there any official info out there?

There is absolutely no way he wouldn’t still qualify for ESA (support group) as he is worse and is bedbound, but the thought of having to go through all of this yet again after our recent experience is concerning.

My son is really not well and I know he is worried about this as it really took its toll on him before, and it worries me as I know he doesn't need this stress in his condition. Would the DWP surely use some discretion as it’s pretty obvious from PIP report and all official info provided (I know they are for completely different things) that he is not in any state to work? Or is it inevitable that we will get another ESA 50 through the post?

Do not want to phone DWP about this as fear it may trigger it all to be looked at. DWP have his whole medical history for last few years on file which definitely helped with both assessments as it was commented on, and we always send regular updates and paperwork etc. Our experience with DWP has been ok overall considering what I have previously read, but with Atos and PIP it was very bad. That was with the support of a long term occupational t, hospital consultant, GP and numerous supporting letters (along with whole medical file)..........

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

bspm

I don't think anyone can tell you when your son may be reassessed.
When you are awarded ESA I believe they give an indication of when you could possibly be contacted again, in my case I was awarded ESA for two years but the paperwork stated I could be contacted in one year, I do not think anyone is awarded ESA indefinitely, why should they be? things do change and not everyone keeps the DWP informed of any changes, hence, a check is needed.

rogerblack

The 'December 2015' date is not a date at which he is expected to be ready to work - this is a terrible shorthand.
What it means is that at this time he may be reassessed.
This assessment can be in-person, or - if they hold enough data - merely a paper exercise.