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How do I know if my ESA review has been successful

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6 years 9 months ago #190053 by otterysteve
Hello
I had my Incapacity Benefit converted into ESA back in 2013, placed in the Support Group without having to attend a "medical" or face-to-face interview. This was a huge relief and was only done with the help of the excellent guides here at B&W.
Recently I was sent another ESA50, an ESA 50 02/17, which had to be completed and returned by 8th May 2017. I did this - again with the essential help from the B&W guides.
I have received a letter today (23rd May), dated 17th May. It is almost identical to the standard letter I recieved back in February 2017 telling me of the status of my claim, the usual yearly thing, in this case with a very small 50p increase in the ESA per week. I am wondering if it means I have got through the ESA review and will continue to receive the ESA in the Support Group?
The Feb 2017 letter is titled:
"YOUR CLAIM FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
CHANGES IN SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS" [their capital letters]
And starts: "From 10th April 2017 the rates of some Social Security benefits may change" and it then goes on to set these out.
Today's letter (23rd May 2017) starts:
"YOUR CLAIM FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
A CHANGE IN THE EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE RATE PAYABLE"
And starts: "We have looked at your claim again following a recent change" [I added the bold here, it is not in their letter].
I am almost too scared to ask as it carries so much for me and it would be devestating to find it is not so, but does this letter mean the review of my ESA has been completed and I remain in the ESA Support Group? The letter is not at all clear, only mentions that they have looked at my claim again (is that the review???) and make no reference to the review directly, doesn't mention the ESA50 02/17, or f-2-f interviews or anything. The amounts are the same for now (first letter says it'll go up more on 30/11/17, second letter doesn't mention this), they are both 3 pages long and are even (not actually) "signed" by the same named person, "Sally Whetherley, Manager". It seems an astonishingly fast decision, if it is. If it isn't I am back in limbo again. Opening that letter this morning was terrifying...
Can anyone tell me please?

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6 years 9 months ago #190068 by Gordon
Steve

Although it is fast and unusual I have seen an ESA decision being made in as little as a week, also as you have had the standard letter already, it suggests that this is a Decision Letter and of course DWP letters are no known for their clarity.

Unfortunately the only way you will know for certain is to contact the DWP and ask whether a Decision has been made and what it was.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 9 months ago #190244 by alzon
i got this as well after about 10 days.

sadly they said its just a standard letter when they change something and it shouldnt have been sent out, so they said sorry but im still no nearer a decision.

oh boy, just what I needed :(

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