Date from when lower ESA applies?

HarryC wrote: When is the date when new claimants for the certain ESA category will get the same as job seekers? Is it April 1st?

Does this mean if we get a claim on before this date then if successful then the current higher amount will be continued to be paid?

If we get the current higher amount does that mean it will go down when any reassement happens in the future?

How long is ESA awarded for and do sick notes need to be kept being sent?

The restriction only applies to new ESA claimants who make a claim on or after 3 April 2017.

Claims that were started before this date are not affected by the change even if a claimant is moved from the Support Group to the WRAG at a future assessment.

ESA is an indefinite award with regular assessment so there is no prescribed award length, reassessments can be carried out at any time after three months have elapsed from the previous Decision, maximum periods are two years for the WRAG and three years for the Support Group.

You would need to provide Fit Notes until a Decision on a new claim is made and has gone into payment.

Gordon

HarryC wrote: So if I call and request a paper ESA1 claim form to be sent, the date of the phone call request will be logged/written on form as the start date of the claim?

And then I will have a month to return it and the current pre April 3rd rules will still apply?

I know you can do it over the phone but would prefer a paper form.

You set the date that your claim starts, you can backdate the claim by up to three months providing you have a Fit Note to cover the period, providing the start date is before 3 April you should not be affected by the change.

You can download and print an ESA1 on the following link

www.gov.uk/government/publications/emplo...allowance-claim-form

Gordon

HarryC wrote: Am I right in thinking that the vast majority (do you know the percentage? I think it was over 80% from what I recall) of successful ESA claimants get put in the support group anyway and therefore this lower payment issue will not apply?

The change only applies to new claims (from 3 April) who are initially placed in the WRAG, if you are placed in the SG on assessment and a subsequent review places you in the WRAG then you should not be affected.

Gordon