Hi guys, I am totally confused and advice would be greatly appreciated.
I received a letter yesterday saying my contribution based ESA will stop on 30 April 2012 because my 12 month entitlement has now ran out. I think I am on both Income based and Contribution based because I get help with mortgage payments…I don’t know, which is which, or how this change will affect me?
When I initially became ill ATOS assessment me and placed me in the WRAC and sent me a letter out stating this, however, I completed a new form in February of this year and was asked to attend a medical, I then received a letter from ATOS stating that I did not have to attend a medical (I think because I provide medical evidence that my health had deteriorated) and that the DWP would be in touch. The DWP have not written to me since about my ESA or what category I had been placed in. Should they have written to me and can I request Freedom of information for my latest files to see what the ATOS doctor’s report was to DWP?
Yes, the DWP should have written to you with details of any new Decision they have made on your claim, even if they have placed you into the same group as before. I would suggest you contact them and ask for an update.
If you are receiving mortgage assistance, then this would imply that you are receiving an ESA(IR) top-up to your ESA(CB), in which case, they should transfer you over to just an ESA(IR) claim without the need for further input on your part.
I hope this explains it.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
