transferring to ESA

joe bloggs wrote:

hi froum,

can anyone answer this question.I had my IB reviewed in feb this year and was re awarded it until may of next year. i know that everyone is being slowly transferred to ESA butwas shocked to get the forms for ESA through the post last month. I took nearly 4 weeks doing the ib forms and now have to do the esa ones. Is this correct? i was of the understanding that i would probably be assessed for ESA when my next IB review was due next may. So what happens to that decision? is it just set aside? im a bit confused and bogged down by all these forms so any help would be appreciated. thanks

I am afraid that whilst the aim is to transfer claimants on their IB re-assessment dates, it is only an indicative date and the DWP are able to transfer when they want.

The IB tests and the ESA at first glance appear very similar, but there are fundamental differences between the two that mean that someone who has passed the former, cannot assume they would pass the latter.

Have a read of our IB to ESA guide in the members area which explains these differences and the process in more detail, and then the two ESA claim guides which explain the ESA tests in detail and how to explain your own disabilities relative to them.

Gordon

joe bloggs wrote:

Thanks alot Gordon for your reply. i have downloaded the guides and am in the process of filling in the form. Not sure if you can answer this but would it be helpful if i can obtain a copy of my IB claim and points awarded and use it as evidence? obviously much of ESA is assessed differently but there are areas where i am writing about the same problems eg walking so do you think it will be helpful or a waste of my time trying to get a copy? Thanks

You can, it should just be a case of contacting you local DWP office and requesting it.

Gordon