Long wait!!

A question on behalf of a friend who has just been awarded zero points after waiting almost 9 months for his WCA. Over this time his condition has deteriorated and his GP has just given him another 3 month "sick note" because in his medical opinion he is not capable of work.

Can my friend request another ESA50 to fill out given his current condition as presumably his previous WCA was carried out based on his previous ESA50?

No ESA113 was sent to his GP and he's going to find out why it took nearly 9 months for him to have his WCA.

Thanks

Hi Gareth,

Yes, your friend can reapply for ESA as long as he can meet the contribution or financial criteria.

If he can prove that his condition has worsened since the decision, or if he can show that he has a new one/new ones, he should be paid the assessment rate. If he cannot demonstrate this, his claim should be accepted but no payment made until/unless he is awarded ESA at assessment.