Confused with DWP letter

I sent in my ESA form in January and I've been waiting to know if I'll need a medical since then. In the last few days I received what I initially assumed was the regular rates change letter however this time it's a little different.

On page 3 it breaks down what I'll get from April to November (page 1 mentions what it will be from December) and how it's all worked out. The first page though says if I think this decision is wrong I need to get in touch within one month. It then says "You can appeal against this decision, but you cannot appeal until we have looked at the decision again. We call this a Mandatory Reconsideration."

I know this isn't the usual decision letter, but by mentioning the Mandatory Reconsideration is it as good as saying a decision has been made? Do they mention that otherwise? I know I could just call up and ask, but I have bad anxiety on the phone so I was just wondering if anyone has received similar and what it means for them to add that in, if anything.

I've felt so depressed and don't have much hope about the future. To think this might be confirming that I'm still in the Support Group would be a huge relief, especially as it would mean skipping the face to face. I guess I don't want to get my hopes up though.

Whatever the letter does or doesn't mean, I've very grateful for the support that this website gives - both on the forums and in the guides. The last few assessments I would have felt completely lost without this place and its guidance. It's hard enough to live with our illnesses, but it can feel so lonely and stressful having to deal with forms and medicals on our own. We're not alone here, and for that I am truly thankful.

I see. That's a shame, but thank you for letting me know. A part of me did think it was too good to be what I wanted it to be saying. I have been assessed without face to face assessments in the past so I know it's possible, but I expect this time I'll get another one.

Thank you again for all the help this website gives to people like me.

Sounds like the standard annual letter. Don't get excited by the December "increase " that is just for one week and is your £10 Xmas bonus ( yippee)

Hi Panda,

Don't worry about this. I had one too, it's just a general info one I think.

Hi yes I'm in exactly the same position and was hoping that a decision had been made to keep me in the support group. But I received a letter to speak to my gp about my esa form so I think they are collecting medical evidence before making a decision but I'm expecting a f2f ((. Reading in this forum it says don't get complacent. This is so true. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Good luck anyway...
Joey xx