ESA renewal/appeal?

Hi
I've been on ESA in the WRAG since 2011 and I've been advised by the work adviser at Maximus work programme that I have 31 weeks left on this benefit. She said that as I've not been able to attend the centre for courses etc. though I haven't defaulted on anything, that I should look at getting into the support group. Her advice was to act now by writing a letter to the main Job Centre in Stratford to say that my condition is such that I should be in the support group with supporting information from the GP etc. plus send a copy to her and the local Job Centre. She said this would start the process to give us the time before the 31 weeks is up and she called it an appeal but I though you could only appeal within a month after the initial award is made. Is this right or how should we go about it, has anyone else done it like this? Any help would be good. My conditions are Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and endometriosis.
Thanks

Hi B,

As you say, it is too late to submit an appeal as there is an absolute maximum of 13 months from the date of decision. However, if you can show that your condition has worsened in the meanwhile you can contact DWP and ask for a 'supersession' of the claim. This would trigger a new assessment with an ESA50 and possibly a face2face too.

If you cannot show that your condition has worsened since the original decision then your best bet will be to sit tight, I would not expect you to be reassessed in the foreseeable future as the process has ground to a halt (more information regarding this can be found here www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=topic&catid=10&id=100618 ). You need not worry about payment as ESA is actually on open-ended benefit and payment will continue until a new decision is made. I am assuming that you are in receipt of income-related ESA as contributory is paid only for 365 days for people in the WRAG.

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I suppose it could be 31 weeks until expected reassessment??? It is a shame work providers do not understand the benefits their clients are on!

Puccalove wrote: I suppose it could be 31 weeks until expected reassessment??? It is a shame work providers do not understand the benefits their clients are on!

I completely agree with you on the last point! I would be surprised if the work providers know when the claimant is being reassessed, but it is not impossible.

Thank you for all your help .