Today I received a Work Capability Assessment form. I am currently in the support group and thought I had been placed there for life. I am 61 and won't get my state pension until I am 66. This form has arrived out of the blue. I thought they were supposed to write to you in advance. Why would they do this now after 7 years? I am not sure I can face going through it all again but I will have to as I can't work.

Hi Eleanor

Reviews for ESA are generally after, one year, two years or three years, so you have been fortunate that you have not had one for seven years. Being placed in the Support Group does not mean that you have been placed there for life and even people in the support group are reviewed. The DWP do not have to write to you in advance of sending you the form. The form itself is a notification of a review.

Do look at our ESA guides to help you fill out the form.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1#claims

BIS

Eleanor,

My husband had the exact same experience last week. The ESA50 form dropped through the door, he’s in the Support group indefinitely and has been left alone for 7 years.

I spoke to a manager at the DWP and he told me that this is due to a huge backlog and were it not for this we would have been reassessed years ago. BIS explains the normal course of things in her reply. We’ve simply been fortunate to have enjoyed a few years of peace.

I know it’s small consolation but you’re not being singled out. I think this is the third or fourth post like this on the forum this week.

Thank you all. If this is the fourth similar post, it suggests to me that someone somewhere has decided to revisit a number of people who were "filed away" as long term - possibly change in politics, rather than a backlog. I was actually "signed off for life" in about 1999!

Ok I have started filling in the form and trying to stay detached as it made me an emotional wreck last time having to focus on things I prefer not to. Of course all my "evidence" is 7 years old now as well. I assume it is best to get an up to date letter from Consultant?

Eleanor, I’m endeavouring to hold my cynicism in check but I think you may be right.

If it is not too personal a question, may I ask what your medical condition is? I have reason to pose such an intimate question. I received some advice that may help you as it is helping my husband (who has Parkinson’s).

Hi Eleanor

Yes, it would be helpful to get up to date evidence even if nothing has changed.

BIS