esa support group - change of circumstances

grandmabagpuss

I am afraid there is no definitive list and I think it would be easy to give a list of yes and no's and get it wrong, so I want to stress, the following is not a complete list, if in doubt, notify the DWP.

Changes breakdown into two categories, for want of a better description changes with a small c (that do not affect the award) and those with a big C (that may). Things like changes of address or bank details are changes with a small c but always need to be reported for obvious reasons.

Those with a big C include;

- changes of income, for ESA(CB) this would be pension and pension related income (for example PHI payments)
- a change in condition, in reality the DWP don't really care if you get worse, but they certainly do if you improve.
- in connection with the previous item, if you have surgery.
- starting or stopping work
- voluntary work, you are not specifically required to notify the DWP of this, but if there are issues with your claim it can go against you if they are not aware you are doing this.

There are undoubtedly others.

One point to note, even if you believe that a change will not affect your benefit because of the Regulations for that benefit (e.g. pension income under the £85/week disregard), it does not remove the requirement to notify the DWP, only the DWP can decide that it does not apply.

Gordon