ESA - Contribution Based - Re-assessment Query

Pyewacket69

Hello all,

I've been on contribution based ESA for nearly two years and am in the support group. I am worried I've not heard anything from them to try to get me back to work. I was under the impression people were reguarly re-assessed, but this hasn't happened to me. Could I have fallen through a crack and get in trouble? Or will I just get another assessment in due course? 

I'm not claiming / eligible for any other benefits. 
I was put on ESA due to cancer treatment.
I've had no change in circumstance other than moving, which I notifed them of and had confirmation from my new Job Centre. 

Many thanks

Torry_Quine

As you're in the support group then you are not expected to be preparing for work. Until you are reassessed you can remain in the support group. If assessed as WRAG then that would only last one year . 

poppy12345

Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise. All reviews are suspended and have been for quite sometime. There's no sign of them starting back up anytime soon.

The only assessments that are taking place now are new claims and change of circumstances.Once they start back there will be huge backlogs. In the meantime you don't need to do anything.

Pyewacket69

poppy12345 said:

Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise. All reviews are suspended and have been for quite sometime. There's no sign of them starting back up anytime soon.

The only assessments that are taking place now are new claims and change of circumstances.Once they start back there will be huge backlogs. In the meantime you don't need to do anything.

That's really helpful, thank you very much. 

Is there any risk that when I get re-assessed if found OK to work they might say 'well you've probably been fit for x months so we want our money back''? Or am I just being paranoid?

With thanks

poppy12345

Pyewacket69 said:

poppy12345 said:

Support Group is an ongoing award until a new decision says otherwise. All reviews are suspended and have been for quite sometime. There's no sign of them starting back up anytime soon.

The only assessments that are taking place now are new claims and change of circumstances.Once they start back there will be huge backlogs. In the meantime you don't need to do anything.

That's really helpful, thank you very much. 

Is there any risk that when I get re-assessed if found OK to work they might say 'well you've probably been fit for x months so we want our money back''? Or am I just being paranoid?

With thanks

If you don't remain in the Support Group once you're reviewed then the changes take place from the date of the decision. Therefore you won't owe them anything.

Pyewacket69

poppy12345 said

If you don't remain in the Support Group once you're reviewed then the changes take place from the date of the decision. Therefore you won't owe them anything.

Ah phew thank you! Really appreciate your assistance.