ESA Appeal help please

Hello,

I'm new to this site having only recently discovered Benefits and Work through an online search. So grateful i have though- only wished I'd found you sooner!

I've recently had a medical assessment after completing the ESA50 form. I've been found Fit to Work from previously being in the Support Group. I've received a letter from the DM explaining how they got to their decision, but i feel hurt and bewildered as they've made many wrong assumptions and built a false picture of what i am able to do.

I'm now faced with appealing the decision, but have a few questions I'd be so grateful if somone could help with.

Q1/ How much detail do i need to write in the GL24 form? Do i need to explain which descriptors i think i fit and why i feel their initial assumptions are incorrect or do i keep it general and explain in detail at the appeal?

Q2/ Do i need to send any additional evidence in with this form, or can i send it at a later date? Not all the additional evidence I'd like to get will be ready for the 1 month deadline.

Q3/ The letter said i need to supply a medical certificate if i want to claim ESA at the assessment rate. What do i ask my GP for and how long does it last? Do i need to keep sending them in and where to?

Any help would be much appreciated and please keep up all the good work this site does

Thank you

Hi Charlotte,

I am sorry that you are going through this. I have heard of a few people who have gone from the Support Group to 'fit for work' in one miraculous step.

As you are new to the site, you might find this helpful

Welcome to Benefits and Work

1 + 2) The GL24 does not need to give specific details at this stage. However, a reconsideration will be carried out and your case will only procede to appeal if this is not in your favour. This reconsideration can take anything from a few days to many months but you should get your appeal grounds, and any additional evidence, in as soon as you can in order to give yourself the best chance of a favourable reconsideration.

3) Yes, you will only be paid (assessment rate ESA) if you also submit a certificate from your GP. I believe the first one should be for no more than 3 months but subsequent ones can be longer, it should be dated from the day your ESA finished. It is up to you to ensure that you get these submitted on time to ensure continuity of payments, don't rely on the DWP to remind you! You should send this to the DWP office that has dealt with your claim.

I suggest that you have a good look at our ESA guides and appeal FAQs

Appeals FAQs

ESA claims and appeals

If you have any further questions as the process unfolds, please come back and ask them on this thread. You will be able to find it easily in future if you mark it as a 'favourite' now