Support Group and Backpay

Hello.

I applied for ESA in Feb 2014, when advised, and filled my ESA50 after subscribing to B+W. I want to say thank you for your help and support - and to say that I just passed my assessment. I have been placed into the Support Group after receiving a decision in... July 2016.

My assessment was carried out - and recorded! - this April.

Which means backpay. The undated amount for the last few months, when I was unable to reach my GP, isn't an issue. However, I've been awarded arrears that have tipped me over 6k. I just want to double-check I'm doing the right thing and have read their guidebook correctly.

Just to clarify: the Decision Maker's Guide [Chapter 52 - Capital]. Which I hope I interpreted correctly?

1) There was one undated payment for arrears that didn't tip me over 6k and came well under 5k. I believe this counts as income for 52 weeks? And after that period it's considered capital and added to my savings?

2) The large amount of support group arrears from the last 2-3 years is what I'm curious about. I've checked section 52511 of the aforementioned guidance, and it totals over the 5k limit. I believe these arrears, which are dated, are disregarded as capital whilst my claim continues? So their specific amount don''t count towards the 6k limit? I don't foresee myself ending my support group placement in the near future.

I just want to be sure I'm doing this right. Lastly, one more question:

My decision letter didn't give the length of time I'll be considered valid as a support group member. From what I've read, there's no real period given but they tend to call you in for assessment when they feel like it?

If these are questions better asked of the CAB, I apologize.

Thanks Gordon. That sets my mind at ease.

I'll get onto typing that letter, then. Is it enough to post it to one of the sorting addresses in Wolverhampton and they'll take it from there?