My son has mental health issues and for the 3rd time this year he has had to fill out the form for ESA and will have to go through a medical assessment. I spoke to him last night and he had called the DWP to ask why he has to keep filling out these forms for esa and in the support group, they kept him on hold for an hour and then told him that he had been put in the support group for 1 year so they want to see if there are any changes. I am really worried about him, he sounds like he may consider taking his own life. Any help or advice would be appreciated, thank you.

Hi B

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Claimants can be subject to ESA reviews, 1,2 or 3 years. Some people's reviews have been longer but that is usually down to delays in the system.

I am sorry that your son is so distressed by this. The DWP often says that there could be improvements in a claimant's mental health so that is why the reviews come up more often. The only chance of your son getting a longer review time is if your GP or a mental health professional is able to provide an up to date letter of his condition and difficulties supporting him. And if possible say he is not well enough to submit to a face to face.

BIS