esa award = how long is it valid for ??

hi to all at b & w website.

I live in north wales and was awarded esa support group in January 2013 and I get dla high rate mobility and middle rate care, which is an indefinite award...
your latest e.mail says that people who are now getting esa awards, that it is only valid for 2 years, on my award it does not mention a time period. could you please confirm what is the rule of thumb as far as esa award time frames are and do i have to go through this terrible ordeal again, i'm only just recovering from the stress of the last claim, even though I did not need a medical or meeting.
your advise would be most grateful...

also with regards to the new PIP replacing DLA , (as I said above I have an indefinite award) but your news letter says they are starting the roll out process in WALES AND MIDDLE ENGLANG. I live in PRESTATYN NORTH WALES and i'm already starting to stress of having to go through the horrid process again.. if you could advise, again I would be very grateful. as I find it hard to work out what is going on and when it happens.. just too stressful.

many thanks to all at B & W,
KIND REGARDS,
J.

Hi James,

Unlike DLA/PIP, ESA is actually an open-ended award. The claimant is not routinely informed of when to expect reassessment and this does not form part of the official 'decision'.

However, the basis of the news benefits is that claimants will be subject to periodic reassessments for the duration of the claim. You can find out when to expect reassessment by phoning DWP and asking for the 'prognosis' or requesting a copy of the ESA85a associated with your claim

How often will I be reviewed

In some cases, reassessment might be undertaken by DWP looking at your previous records, but most people will have to face the dreaded ESA50 form again +/- a face2face assessment.

The transfer from DLA to PIP is being delayed in many areas. Even in those areas where it is continuing as expected, people with indefinate DLA awards will not be 'invited' to apply for PIP before 2015.

As an aside, I have removed your surname from your post in order to maintain some anonymity. You are welcome to replace this if you feel strongly about it.

In future, will you please try not to post text in block capitals, as this is very difficult to read for visually impaired members who use assistive technology? Many thanks

jamestanzanite wrote: hi to all at b & w website.

I live in north wales and was awarded esa support group in January 2013 and I get dla high rate mobility and middle rate care, which is an indefinite award...
your latest e.mail says that people who are now getting esa awards, that it is only valid for 2 years, on my award it does not mention a time period. could you please confirm what is the rule of thumb as far as esa award time frames are and do i have to go through this terrible ordeal again, i'm only just recovering from the stress of the last claim, even though I did not need a medical or meeting.
your advise would be most grateful...

also with regards to the new PIP replacing DLA , (as I said above I have an indefinite award) but your news letter says they are starting the roll out process in WALES AND MIDDLE ENGLANG. I live in PRESTATYN NORTH WALES and i'm already starting to stress of having to go through the horrid process again.. if you could advise, again I would be very grateful. as I find it hard to work out what is going on and when it happens.. just too stressful.

many thanks to all at B & W,
KIND REGARDS,
J.

Hi J,

I have edited out your full name at the end of your post to maintain your anonymity, I hope you don't mind.

Theoretically, every ESA award (WRAG or SG) is indefinate. However, with each award comes a recommendation (known as the prognosis) of when you should be reassessed.

The shortest prognosis is 3 months, the longest is 3 years, see :

How often will I be reviewed

SG awards tend to attract the longer prognoses.

The prognosis is not included in the ESA award Decision Notice letter.

To find out the prognosis, you can ring the 0845 number on the letter, they should have it on their computer screens.

Once you are aware of the prognosis, you can expect to receive a new ESA50 a couple of months before the end of this period.

You could also request the ESA85 or ESA85A and any other documentation in writing, in the form of a SAR :

SAR Form Download

From this page :

DWP Data Protection Policy

You should address any SAR, FAO The Data Controller at the benefits office dealing with your benefits. Write DPA 1998 SAR in front top left corner of the envelope.

See : Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

&

ESA medical – what forms to ask for?

With respect to your query regarding when you should expect to be transferred to PIP, nothing has changed with respect to DLA recipients with indefinite awards, i.e. you should not be invited to claim PIP until sometime after October 2015.

See : www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=top...5481&start=42#112418

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