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Changes to ESA50 this year?

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6 years 4 months ago #202540 by IamShell
Changes to ESA50 this year? was created by IamShell
Hi,
hoping for some advice after reading something on another forum (not restricted to benefits so am wondering as to accuracy).
I am currently in the SG. I was last assessed in 2014. That was not a face-to-face but I did submit the form, together with a letter from my GP. I had a f-2-f the time before that and was placed in the SG after requesting a mandatory reconsideration. I believe I was due to be reassessed earlier this year but I've heard nothing, perhaps due to delays (I'm not complaining although the stress of wondering if today will be the day is terrible).
Anyhow, I was on another forum where a woman who is currently being reassessed asked if there had been changes since she last had to fill a form in in 2016. There were various replies but there was a general consensus that the form had not changed so much as the way points are scored to qualify for the SG. The gist was that they have made it even more difficult to score points. One said that mobility is now not taken into consideration in the same way, although they did not elaborate (restricted/ poor mobility is one of the main qualifiers for the SG so how does that work, then?) Another said that conditions such as epilepsy, which would have qualified a person for the SG, now qualify the sufferer for WRA instead. There was another person who said that even with terminal conditions the sufferer has to present a letter to basically state how long they've got - if they are estimated to have over a certain time = WRAG.
I am not sure as to the accuracy of the above, especially as one person said they were told reassessments are randomly generated (not sure how that can be true). I'm not sure how much is scaremongering (though I'd believe anything of this government!) which is why I am checking here.
I'm sure they won't leave me alone forever so I'm hoping for confirmation as to changes and restrictions. I have what I thought was the latest pdf form for physical conditions and mental conditions. I think they are marked March 2017, and while I couldn't spend long on them, I could not see massive changes... Have more recent updates been published here and I've missed them? (I admit I was getting overwhelmed and don't currently come on here much).
Anyhow, having conditions that are often dismissed as not existing, and fluctuating conditions at that, I am now very worried and anxious about my next assessment, whenever they decide it will be.
If I get placed in the WRAG, what on earth will happen when I am too sick to attend (this will inevitably happen). Sanctions?

Another question if I may? Apparently, now you have to give an email address? I only have access to a friend's computer. Do I have to give them one? I don't like the idea of it for various reasons, and I would have to ask my friend to check for messages for me...
Anyhow, any clarification would really help. I appreciate it.
Thanks all.

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6 years 4 months ago #202559 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Changes to ESA50 this year?
Shell

The information is either incorrect, or correct but for very different reasons.

There have been no updates to the ESA Descriptors and Regulations since early 2013, the DWP have updated their guidance in a number of areas, primarily in regard to the Substantial Risk Regulations.

There have been no changes to the Mobility criteria or guidance.

Gordon

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