ESA HOW TO CHANGE GROUP

Hi
I just wondered if someone could advise me how to go about requesting change of group for ESA my husband is in Work group and we never fought decision. He's now on income related ESA but only gets £2.50 cos he claims carers for our daughter is autistic. I am still on IB waiting out come of my questionnaire from ATOS. My husband no longer has to go for interviews at the dole office because when he went he always became upset and because of the problems he's already dealing with because of my health and that of our children. He last interview was by telephone in January and they told him he didn't need to see them any more. Recently his spinal condition has deteriorated and further MRI scans have shown additional problems which I think should warrant transfer into Support group. He has been to Oswestry Spinal unit for opinion of doctor he saw 8 years ago which was 2 years post op and he has said that he wouldn't risk further surgery cos of existing damage. My husband is also in receipt of DLA LRC & HRM and I've been contemplating applying for PIP instead because I know financially PIP is better, he has indefinite award so we are just waiting for him to be asked to change but am nervous in case he loses money as we are dependent on HRM for our car. Please advise any way you can

Hi mum0f6,

If you can show that 1) your husband's condition has worsened since the previous decision and 2) that he now meets at least one of the Support Group descriptors then you can writew to DWP and ask for a 'supersession'. This would most likely initiate another ESA50 to be completed +/- a face2face assessment.

Qualifying for the Support Group

As to PIP, I would urge you to be very cautious, it is usual for the claimant to self-score significantly higher than DWP do. Also, the PIP mobility descriptors are very strict and you , clearly, do not want to risk losing this as you would also lose the motability contract.

Help for PIP claimants

I am confused by your comment regarding PIP being better financially. The rates are the same apart from there is no low rate care/daily living component just the two rates for the two components. Some of the criteria are stricter and claims are taking several months. DLA claimants will not automatically qualify for PIPs and the DWP have estimated many people currently claiming DLA will not meet the criteria for PIPs.