Worrying Letter

A couple of weeks ago i had a letter from DWP saying that in November the Government were looking to change ESA and if it went through all those who had claimed ESA for at least 12 months would be removed from the claim immediately as ESA will only be able to be claimed for a maximum of 12 months - i am awaiting for a home visit as my last medical was stopped as they only had stairs to get to the room used and i can't do stairs if i am shaking caused by my simple complex epilepsy this was ages ago (august i think) and not heard anything since then from ATOS for a new date can anyone give me any information about the new system

Hi Tiggy,
The only letter iknow about is if you are in the Work Related Activity Group of CBESA, you will only receive your benefit for 12 months.
This is not yet law and if it comes into being it will not take place until april 2012.However it will be back dated 12 months.
This means that if you were receiving ESA before April 2011 your benefit will stop in April 2012.
However if you are on IRESA or in the support group you will not be affected.
This proposal is currently going through the House of Lords.

Tiggy wrote:

A couple of weeks ago i had a letter from DWP saying that in November the Government were looking to change ESA and if it went through all those who had claimed ESA for at least 12 months would be removed from the claim immediately as ESA will only be able to be claimed for a maximum of 12 months - i am awaiting for a home visit as my last medical was stopped as they only had stairs to get to the room used and i can't do stairs if i am shaking caused by my simple complex epilepsy this was ages ago (august i think) and not heard anything since then from ATOS for a new date can anyone give me any information about the new system

Hi, with regard to the proposed 12 month limit to Contributory ESA WRAG, see information on this link. :

www.dwp.gov.uk/adviser/updates/proposed-...ges-to-contribution/

And here. :

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_199210?cid=rss

Also here. :

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/esa-changes-q-and-a.pdf

It has not been passed as law yet and is at the committee stage in The Lords, progress can be followed here. :

services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/welfarereform.html

Also claimants that are put into the Support Group of ESA will not face the 12 months time limit, for as long as they remain in the support group.

Further once the 12 months of Con ESA ends, the claimant may be entitled to Income Related ESA, if they can pass a means test, and have savings or capital less than £16,000. and have a partner that works 24 hours or less a week.

Hope this helps

bro58