ESA confused

Last year i claimed ESA for the first time ever, i had the medical but received no points and so i appealed and i won. 3 months ago i was asked to attend another medical for ESA and yet again received no points! i have appealed again and received a letter this morning telling me they have looked at my claim again following a recent change. From 24 September 2011 your ESA will be £61.50 a week. You have appealed against the decision that you do not have limited capability for work. We will pay you at the assessment rate of ESA until your appeal is heard. You will need to supply us with medical certificates while appealing. You may also be required to participate in work focused interviews.

What i don't understand is why i have had to go back to the very start as if its a new claim instead an appeal, i'm well confused and i dont know how many medical certificates i need as they have not stated in the letter

lorraine1962 wrote:

Last year i claimed ESA for the first time ever, i had the medical but received no points and so i appealed and i won. 3 months ago i was asked to attend another medical for ESA and yet again received no points! i have appealed again and received a letter this morning telling me they have looked at my claim again following a recent change. From 24 September 2011 your ESA will be £61.50 a week. You have appealed against the decision that you do not have limited capability for work. We will pay you at the assessment rate of ESA until your appeal is heard. You will need to supply us with medical certificates while appealing. You may also be required to participate in work focused interviews.

What i don't understand is why i have had to go back to the very start as if its a new claim instead an appeal, i'm well confused and i dont know how many medical certificates i need as they have not stated in the letter

Hi L1962,

As you are appealing a "fit for work" decision, all be it for the second time, you will be awarded the Assessment Rate of ESA.

With regards to your sick notes, as it appears that you have been awarded assessment rate ESA from 24/09/11, I would assume that you would need your sick note to cover you from that period.

It may be worth checking with the DWP for what period they require sick notes from you.

Assessment rate ESA for a single person over 25 should be £67.50.

Have a look at all the ESA Guides including appeals on this page:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

bro58

Thank you bro58, i'm so confused so i will give them a call tomorrow see if they can give me some clarity