ESA50 Renewal Form

Firstly I would like to apologise if this is a topic that has already been covered before. I have just recieved an ESA50 form to complete so that I can claim for National Insurance Credits and I notice that the question that asks 'how far can you move safely' seems to have changed with its distance criteria. There is no option that would apply to me as I cannot manage 50 metres even using a wheelchair as I cant self propel due to the lack of upper body strength. Can you offer me some advice on how to complete this.

I was under the impression that certain conditions are excempt and as I have ms that is incureable I was wondering why I have to keep on completing these forms every couple of years. I am not claiming any money just National Insurance Credits. I had a medical assessement at my home in 2009 when I first started the claim and I just seem to be filling out the forms with the same information about my condition (thats not getting any better if not its getting worse).

Can you you offer me any advice please.

Hi Sunny Girl,

I am afraid that the whole tenet of the Welfare Reforms is that all claimants will be reassessed periodically. The longest length of time between reassessments is 2 years (for the WRAG) or 3 (for Support Group) although DWP can reassess any time after 3 months.

Whilst it might seem a waste of time to keep on filling in these forms just for NI credits, there is always the possibility that you could be placed into the Support Group at a future reassessment and, in this case, payments would recommence.

Ooops -sorry. We tell people to make the forms work for them. If non of the boxes accurately reflect your circumstances, you can leave them blank and explain things in the text box. Our claims guides explain this in more detail.

ESA claims and appeals

If you have any more questions please come back and ask them on this topic/thread as it helps us if everything is kept in one place.