SDA-ESA: My journey has begun

Dear Mods and Members,

This morning, the postman delivered the brown envelope with the DWP communication that begins, “Your Benefit is Changing”. I don’t need to explain to you what that means! After several decades of progressive disability I have begun the frightening journey from Severe Disablement Allowance to Employment and Support Allowance.

Obviously, I have known this letter would arrive since the migration process was announced back in 2010. It doesn’t make it easier. Anxiety about ESA (and indeed PIP) has wrecked my mental health. The effort of compiling a body of evidence without much help from current doctors and drafting answers has been so physically stressful that the degree of pain and exhaustion I experience has rocketed. All the while, my medical condition has continued to progress.

I have good reason to expect to be placed in the Support Group. However, irrespective of the outcome, so much damage has already been done to me as a person, making life harder for my carer to boot. I am not the person I was four years ago, valued as a family member, friend, and neighbour.

I can’t stop crying. What if I cry at an assessment? Would tears count as failure to participate?

I’ll try to keep the forum updated for the benefit of the remnant left to be migrated to ESA.

Mari W

Hi Mari
I am so sorry to hear about the effect the waiting and not knowing has had on you. Just remember you are not alone and try and hold your head up - this site helps a lot.

I am psyching myself up for WCA this week; I have found an advocate to go with me which is helping. I hate all the compiling of things that are wrong with me.

Is there one doctor who would write you a support letter? My GP has done a short but to the point letter and not charged me. I know it varies.

Wish I could help.

Thanks, Gordon

I’m sitting here surrounded by paperwork I can hardly see. I used to have a print-out of all the LCWRA and LCW descriptors (Annex A and Annex . I cannot find it. Is there a link?

For the moment can you remind me whether there is an LCWA descriptor for question 8 ( to do with getting around) or is it LCW only?

BTW I have not had a DWP phone call yet.

Mari W

Good afternoon!

Following receipt of the letter marking the start of my migration from SDA to ESA, a person from the DWP has made the standard phone call. I gave permission for my carer to deal with the call. I’m in so much pain I can’t think straight and my speech is poor.

I had already advised my carer not to volunteer any unnecessary information and to ask only one question: when to expect the ESA 50. The answer was a shock. Apparently, it could be up to seven (7) weeks before I receive the form. My carer checked that the person had said “weeks” and not “days” but it could indeed be up to seven weeks before I receive the ESA 50.

I have never read anything like this on B & W or heard of such a delay from other claimants. Is this normal? In reality, is the form likely to arrive much sooner?

Thanks again,

Mari W