ESA renewed without me knowing?!

My question is regarding ESA (Support Group) renewal. I have been claiming since early 2013 due to being ill with a Brain Tumour. After a while I called DWP to ask how long my award was for and was told, I think, 18 months. But at that time, and since, I have heard nothing about renewal. All I have heard is that my Consultant sent a bill to them for a medical report. Also I heard nothing after 12 months when I understand I would have switched from CB to IB ESA, but when I asked them for proof of my claim for Housing Benefit after 2 years (I moved house) I was informed that I was claiming Income Based ESA.

Is it possible I was switched to IB ESA without being told and that my ESA (Support Group) was renewed similarly without my being aware, i.e. dealt with by DWP and my Doctors? Also I received another £10 Christmas bonus, paid very late, which I thought was for CB benefits only?!

Touch wood I have recovered quite well and am hoping to return to part-time work this year, so I’m not tooo worried either way, but I would like to take advantage of the Permitted Hours rules.

Thanks, Colin

Hi and welcome to the forum. On the assumption that you are also new to the site this link should help you find your way around. I'm glad that your treatment has been successful and you are doing well

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For claimants in the Support Group, there is no 365 day limit to payment, this apples only to people not in the Support group. Therefore there would be no reason for your claim to become Income-Related (and you would have been required to fill in a form giving details of your finances if it did).

The whole assessment system became very backlogged and routine reassessments were suspended for several years. During this time it is possible that your claim file was reviewed and your review date extended - or it might simply have been pushed back without anyone looking at your file.Either way, reassessments have resumed now in many areas.

If you wish to know when to expect reassessment you can phone DWP and ask - this will not trigger the process.

Whatever your situation regarding review, you can apply for permitted work if you wish.

Permitted Work

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