Government changing the welfare system.

Hi all,

Just to say as for ESA, as I'm now a retiree I now normally stay out of topics relating this as I feel out of touch.

However, I just can't get my head around the way the government are always changing what was previously deemed to be the perfect solution.

Ministers come and go. The ones that replace the old ones, I suppose, like to put in their stamp of authority and make their mark in order to make a name for themselves.

Whatever happens you can bet that it will be changed again and again so the message is: keep on your toes and look out for any updates on whichever benefit you are in receipt of.

Regards,

Phrank.

Hi Gary
Thank you for your comments and all who have replied . Looks like we will just have to wait and see what the government are planning .
It’s sound like they are trying to get as many people back to work whatever benefit or disability you have Or on the sick due to a even though you have a genuine health problem…


Thank you

Hello Gordon,

It's really nice to see you on the boards again from time to time.

I've been reading reports in the Press and on social media that in the Spring Budget tomorrow, the government are going to publish a white paper on Disability and Health at the same time. It seems pretty certain that they plan to scrap the WCA to determine fitness for work and conditionality (which group you end up in for ESA and UC). I've read opinions that they will rely on a claimant's entitlement to a PIP award instead (as passporting?).

You mention assessment criteria for ESA/UC fitness for work is defined in law so would need to be changed by primary legislation. In your experience, does that mean that those of us with existing ESA awards (I'm in the support group) need not worry at the moment? I am not expected to look for work or be involved in any work related activity. Is it possible that Jeremy Hunt will require those like myself to have to engage in work related activity, though? He has been quoted as saying those long-term sick like myself are to be 'nudged' into employment. This is causing me a lot of anxiety. My ESA award was granted under substantial risk criteria and I know I wouldn't cope with being forced to engage and would be in danger of deteriorating further.

Just looking for some insight... reassurance. Thank you.

Libra

Thank you Gordon and Gary,

The link to Benefits and Work explainer is very helpful.

Those of us currently claiming ESA are not going to be effected for a long time to come, it seems. And, as you say, it may not even happen if we have a change of government after the next election. The current Shadow Minister Jonathan Ashworth has made noises about reforming out of work benefits for long term illness - albeit somewhat softened, highlighting an intention to allow claimants to try work without losing their awards/being able to reclaim their awards within a year without the danger of reassessment.

It's very confusing for us to have headlines describing scrapping the dreaded WCA as though it is already a fait accompli when it is years off or may not happen at all.

I was awarded ESA and put into the Support Group following a paper based assessment in 2020, just as the Pandemic was kicking off. I was due for review in the summer of 2021 which was deferred for 2 years, due to Covid backlogs. My deferred review is now due in the summer of 2023 (this year). I am reading on other forums that ESA reassessments seem to be on hold or that people are getting deferred again for a further 2 years because of ongoing backlogs. Are you hearing that ESA reviews are happening at the moment? Certainly from looking at this forum I see few/if any posts about ESA reassessments currently.

Libra