ESA

How often are you likely to be reviewed if you get put in the support group of ESA and does it always mean that after you have filled in the WCA form that you will also have to have a medical?

I am currently waiting for the result of my medical but have just found out that there will be a change in my circumstances soon. My husband has just accepted a new job, which means he will be working different shifts/strange hours and also my parents have had a few personal problems. This means that, although I suffer with severe OCD and am frightened of social situations/going out etc.., I am now going to HAVE to go out more because they are not going to be able to help much. I did say on my assessment form and at the medical that I only really go out if I have to. This is because I'll have to take/pick up children from school, take/pick them up from activities of an evening & weekend and probably nip out for must-have items in the week (I do my main shop on-line). If anything this situation is going to make me feel more stressed than I already do, it is certainly not going to make me any better. Have you got any advice about what I could/should do as I don't want to jeopardise my benefit. Does this count as a change in circumstances?

Diane37 wrote:

How often are you likely to be reviewed if you get put in the support group of ESA and does it always mean that after you have filled in the WCA form that you will also have to have a medical?

I am currently waiting for the result of my medical but have just found out that there will be a change in my circumstances soon. My husband has just accepted a new job, which means he will be working different shifts/strange hours and also my parents have had a few personal problems. This means that, although I suffer with severe OCD and am frightened of social situations/going out etc.., I am now going to HAVE to go out more because they are not going to be able to help much. I did say on my assessment form and at the medical that I only really go out if I have to. This is because I'll have to take/pick up children from school, take/pick them up from activities of an evening & weekend and probably nip out for must-have items in the week (I do my main shop on-line). If anything this situation is going to make me feel more stressed than I already do, it is certainly not going to make me any better. Have you got any advice about what I could/should do as I don't want to jeopardise my benefit. Does this count as a change in circumstances?

Hi D37,

Please see :

How often will I be reviewed

The certainty is that claimants will be reassesed on a regular basis, no matter which group that they are in.

Some claimants gain an award of ESA, without having a face to face, this is classed as "Paper Scrutiny" or a "Restricted Medical", this will depend on whether the DWP/ATOS feel that they have enough paper evidence to come to a decision.

It would be best to wait until any change in your daily routine takes place.

Any change to your limitations as a result of your medical conditions, could be classed as a change in circumstances, however if you are forced to "do things" that you didn't do before, and the need to do these things actually makes your condition worse, you should state this.

Don't forget the limitations that you state that you suffer, should be suffered for "The Majority" of the time, to count.

bro58

My husband is due to start this new job next week, so things will change then. Do you think I should tell them soon or wait until I get the results of my medical. Also, who do I write to about these changes, should I get some medical support off my doctor and what do you think my chances of success are, do you know how others in this sort of situation have got on?

Hi Gordon,

I am actually on incapacity benefit and am waiting to hear which group of ESA I am going to be put in.