ESA Review Query

Currently in the ESA Support Group after appeal won last Feb 2012. I received a second ESA form around January 3rd 2013 to complete and send back by 29th January 2013.

Had a review date for 26th Feb 2013.

Managed to complete the esa form with guidance from this B&W excellent forum. Also enclosed my Psychiatrist's medical report and a fit note from GP dated 29th January for initial 3 months as I assumed I needed to enclose such documents/certification when sending the esa forms back to ATOS/DWP.

It's now April 9th 2013 and in 20 days my GP note will expire and I have had no communication from ATOS/DWP. I cannot manage telephone communication with either of them.

Will I need to see my GP for a further fit note come the 29th April 2013? Also is there a current backlog of cases meaning reviews of esa applications are not being processed due to heavy workloads.

ngup67

Hi NGU,

In many areas there is a considerable backlog of cases and it is not unusual for it to be some months before the claimant hears anything else (it was 5 months in my own case).

How long until they make a decision?

ESA is an indefinite award so you will still be in the Support Group and receive payment until/unless a new decision changes this. As you are already classed as 'unfit for work' you do not need to submit 'fitnotes' from your GP.