Esa backdated

Hi I've have been on Esa assessment for 21 weeks. Had my Medical last Friday. Very Stressful if I being honest. I've worked up until August this year, been ill most off my life. Had gastrectomy 10 yrs ago fought to get back to work. I've had arthritis since I was 25 after breaking my back playing Rugby .Recently I have diagnosed with degenerative arthritis in my neck trapping four nerves. I've been awarded both Higher rates of PiP because of these problems. My question is why do they put people through two assessments.Coping with illness is very stressful without being put through all this waiting and being talked to with little compassion.I now have to get my head around not earning a decent wage to just having to survive. Reading some of the messages on here has helped so thankyou

Hello Nigel,

PIP and ESA are completely different benefits with different criteria. PIP is a benefit you can receive whilst working, and deals with the the help you need on a daily basis whereas ESA is awarded for those who have limited capability for work It is stressful but unfortunately cannot be avoided.

Good luck.
Standswithafist