ESA change of circumstances

MY ESA (contrib based) ends in 2 weeks. I appealed and am waiting for a hearing for this. However, I saw my GP this morning and he has given me another sick note for 3 months as he said there is absolutely no way I am able to work at present. He mentioned a change of circumstances. I telephones the benefits agency and she just said to send everything document wise to them and they will look at them. I am so so confused now as I dont know what I should be doing. I cannot afford to lose my ESA but until last year have never claimed anything. My husband works so I know im not entitled to income ESA. Surely I must be entitiled to something if i genuinly cannot work. My health has deteriorated since I had the Atos assessment in Dec and at present I am waiting to attned a specialist hospital in Scotland for a diagnosis as my Epilepsy is complex apparently. Does anyone know what I meed to do? Am i allowed to reapply or do I continue with my appeal?

colc wrote: MY ESA (contrib based) ends in 2 weeks. I appealed and am waiting for a hearing for this. However, I saw my GP this morning and he has given me another sick note for 3 months as he said there is absolutely no way I am able to work at present. He mentioned a change of circumstances. I telephones the benefits agency and she just said to send everything document wise to them and they will look at them. I am so so confused now as I dont know what I should be doing. I cannot afford to lose my ESA but until last year have never claimed anything. My husband works so I know im not entitled to income ESA. Surely I must be entitiled to something if i genuinly cannot work. My health has deteriorated since I had the Atos assessment in Dec and at present I am waiting to attned a specialist hospital in Scotland for a diagnosis as my Epilepsy is complex apparently. Does anyone know what I meed to do? Am i allowed to reapply or do I continue with my appeal?

Hi c,

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I am afraid that once your 365 day entitlement to CB ESA is exhausted, and if you are not entitled to IR ESA, all payment will cease.

You don't state which decision you are appealing.

If it is fit for work, and you are placed into The WRAG, as payment of CB ESA in The WRAG is also limited to 365 days, although you would receive any arrears of the WRA Component owed from the date of the fit for work decision for 365 days, you would still not be entitled to any CB ESA.

If you are appealing fit for work or WRAG, in receipt of CB ESA, and you are placed into The SG, then payment of CB ESA would be reinstated, and any arrears owed would be payed.

There is no 365 day limit whilst in The SG :

12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)

The Tribunal will not take into account any change or deterioration in your condition since the date of the adverse decision that you are appealing.

I could not really advise further, until you let us know what the ESA decision was that you are appealing.

Please reply to this topic.

bro58