My friend has been sent the ESA questionnaire when he already gets ESA

CrimRain

Hello everyone.

Yesterday a friend I live with got the ESA. Questionnaire form out of the blue, nothing else came with it just the questionnaire form an the usual "please send by this date" thing as well.

I'm just wondering as well as he is why he's got this form as he'd already been on ESA when he first moved in, had done the medical an everything, he is in the Support group and left to his own devices essentially.

Does anyone know why he would get that form again if he's already passed his ESA medical many months ago last year and was confirmed to be getting the Support group rate?

Any help would be appreciated as it'd also benefit me as well as I am also on ESA but I am in the WRAG group instead so I'll know what to do if I have to fill another one out again if my situation doesn't change or improve.

Darksparkle

As far as I was aware ESA can be reassessed.

Poppie68

It's most likely because his current claim is coming to an end so he needs to 're-apply, phoning them up will clarify the matter.

cheesetoast

Maybe they thought that there's a chance his condition could improve after a time, so they want to check in with him.

donnac2558

They will reassess you after 6 months.

Poppie68

donnac2558 wrote: »

They will reassess you after 6 months.

Not necessarily, each claim is different but all fall into one category or another. Some are due for reassessment at the end of a maximum award of 2 years others can be reassessed earlier if the illness/condition warrants it.

HB58

The whole ethos of the new benefits is that claimants would be reassessed periodically rather than 'languishing on benefits' (the government's words, not mine). ESA reassessments were delayed due to backlogs in the system but seem to be back in full force now.

Treat reassessments as you did the initial claim. Give full information, don't assume that DWP have any prior knowledge of you or your situation.

TELLIT01

The vast majority of claims, even for people in the Support Group, are reassessed after a period. The original letter telling your friend they had been put in the SG would have given an indication of when that reassessment might be.
There is nothing sinister or even odd about the ESA50 being sent. You friend must complete and return by the required date or their ESA is likely to be suspended.

Mrs_Ryan

Poppie68 wrote: »

Not necessarily, each claim is different but all fall into one category or another. Some are due for reassessment at the end of a maximum award of 2 years others can be reassessed earlier if the illness/condition warrants it.

I have a 3 year Support Group award.