How long does ESA last?

Hi

I recently moved from IB to ESA (Support Group) without a medical but the award letter doesn't indicate how long it will be before I have to go through the process again. This time took 9 months!

Is there a fixed period or could I get another brown envelope next week?

Djonh wrote: Hi

I recently moved from IB to ESA (Support Group) without a medical but the award letter doesn't indicate how long it will be before I have to go through the process again. This time took 9 months!

Is there a fixed period or could I get another brown envelope next week?

Hi Dj,

Welcome to Benefits and Work and Merry Xmas !!

Theoretically ESA is awarded indefinitely, (open ended)

However, in reality, each ESA awarded comes with a recommended period (The Prognosis) before it is reassessed.

See : How often will I be reviewed

From our : ESA FAQ’s

The ESA decision notice letter that you receive, does not include the prognosis.

To find out the prognosis, you can ring the 0845/0345 number on the decision notice letter, they should have it on their computer screen.

You should expect to begin the reassessment process, and receive a new ESA50 some 2-3 months before the end of a prognosis period.

e.g. It would not be uncommon to receive a new ESA50 9 month after an ESA award with a 12 months prognosis.

Whilst on the phone, as it seems that you did not have a "medical" you could also request the ESA85A medical report.

ESA medical – what forms to ask for?

This should include the prognosis, and reasons why you were placed into The SG, which may be useful at your reassessment.

If you have problems obtaining this, you can make a written request. (SAR)

There should also be an LT54 Form, which may contain useful information.

A description of an LT54 can be found at the bottom of this list :

ESA Forms

There may also be an ESA113 questionnaire, if one was sent to your G.P.

To cover all bases, you could make a SAR for "All" documentation used in coming to The SG decision.

You could also pose particular questions, e.g. :

1. Reasons why you were placed into the SG, including which of SG descriptors were applied. Whether it be one or more of The Schedule 3 Functional Descriptors, or The ESA Regulation 35 Non Functional Descriptor.

2. The prognosis of the SG award, and when you should expect to have your next reassessment.

You can do this using a SAR Form :

SAR Form Download

From this page :

DWP Data Protection Policy

Or you can make the request in the form of a letter, as long as you make it clear that you are making a formal SAR under The Data Protection Act 1998.

Address the envelope : FAO The Data Controller, at the Benefits Office dealing with your ESA.

Write DPA 1998 SAR in front, top, left corner of envelope.

Once received, they have 40 calendar days to comply.

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

As it seems that you have been transferred from IB, you may find our : IB, IS, SDA, Migration to ESA FAQ’s helpful.

bro58

Thanks for your help on this subject,and well done to all your team
for the work you put into this site.

CARDIAC53

cardiac53 wrote: Thanks for your help on this subject,and well done to all your team
for the work you put into this site.

CARDIAC53

Hi C53,

You are most welcome !!

bro58