Re; change in condition

Kelsa wrote: Good afternoon all,
Desperately hoping for some 'real' advice please!!
I need to report to esa & pip a change in my condition. I have been advised by citizens advice to send them (esa) the sick note issued by my GP with a 'covering letter' I am literally to afraid to send anything in fear of saying or doing something wrong. I am currently in the work focused group & have only recently been made aware I should probably be in the other one. Can someone, anyone PLEASE tell me where to begin with this.

Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

Whilst any significant change in your condition must be reported, the DWP are not overly interested if you do not report a deterioration, as you will be the only one who suffers as a result.

The first thing to consider is whether the change will result in an increased award.

For ESA your will need to meet one or more of the Support Group criteria, have a look at either of the ESA Claim guides, the SG criteria is included.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1

You don't mention what your PIP award is but you need to score 8 points for a Standard award and 12 points for an Enhanced one.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/pip

You need to be aware, if you do report a change then this will result in a full re-assessment of your claim, new claim forms and likely face to face assessments for both ESA and PIP.

If you do decide to go ahead then the notification should be in writing to the DWP offices currently dealing with your claims.

Does the Fit Note explain the change in your condition? If not then there is probably no benefit in your sending it, it is not applicable to PIP as this is not an out of work benefit and you are already classed as being unfit for work by being in the WRAG.

If you have any more questions then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.

Gordon

Kelsa wrote: Hi Gordon,
The sick note simply says back pain but my gp will support me fully for any evidence I may need. I am currently only receiving the standard care rate pip, They did not allow me any mobility although I think I should of been awarded it. I made a fatal mistake of not appealing it (September) I was going through a really really bad time and just couldn't face it. Sorry to be long winded but briefly, this is my situation, I have had a fractured spine and neck with spine compression (surgery to both) and in the last 6 weeks been in pain 24 hours a day, I am waiting (rather desperately) for a appointment at the specialist spine clinic & gp has prescribed stronger medication (pain relief) do you think I should report it? I know I will probably have to face the Medicaid ext, before just the thought of that was enough ti put me off trying but now I feel fully unjustified and I'm ready for whatever they throw at me.

This has to be your decision, all I am able to do is make you aware of all the issues involved.

Gordon