Support Group time limitation?

I found out today, but letter, that I have been placed into the Support Group of ESA. I have read the whole letter, although it does get quite confusing and is not a well-thought-out document.

Anway, on the last page it says how much money I will receive and breaks this down into various chunks. Then it says that this is applicable from July to December. Does this mean I will either have to apply again in December, or have a medical examination in December or something? I really don't understand this. If anyone has any understanding of this, please let me know. Thank you.

Hi Kate

I've just looked at one of my ESA letters giving the breakdown of amounts. It appears that it's standard wording and does not mean that you will be reassessed at the end date (or at least I wasn't).

That said, I do not know why they give an end date as the amounts do not usually change until April.

Regards

Derek

Hello Derek, thanks so much for your reply. So with these letters informing people about the success of their ESA claims, does it never mention a review date?

And while I've got your attention, how do I set-about finding out why I was put into the support group? It would be useful information I think. Thank you.

Hi Kate

If you've gone straight into the support group without having a medical I believe that the healthcare professional will have written an ESA85A. You can request this from JCP and any other documentation regarding the assessment. It should also give an indication as to when you will be re-referred.

You can see a copy of the form in Appendix 3 of the WCA handbook in the ESA area of this site.

Regards

Derek

Derek, thank you again.

Does B&W have a pro forma or standard letter for members to edit and print in order to make requests to JCP for information about ESA decisions? Or do I just write to the manager at the local JCP and request documents related to my claim?

I have read somewhere else that all ESA claims are reviewed every three years in any event.But can I just ask, would it be really obvious it my ESA award letter if and/or when the ESA would be reviewed or not?

Thanks, Kate.

Hi Kate

There is a letter in the IB section of this site titled 'Letter from claimant requesting copies of documents considered by the decision maker'. You will of course need to change the text to ESA and can be specific about the documents that you want.

You could also request the documents over the phone but I believe this method has a much lower success rate. They probably roll dice to decide whether to carry out the request!

Good luck

Derek