Further evidence

Hello, is it correct that you can wait up to 3 months to find out whether your appeal has been overturned during the assessment phase of an appeal?

Also, is it ok for me to send additional information now (the DWP told me last week they had got my appeal form) or should I/do most people wait until they have been sent their medical records and then send off more info/evidence, or could I just do both? At the assessment stage of an appeal, where I am at now, who do I send any additional info to? Many thanks.

Hi Rosie. You are correct that reconsiderations are taking up to about 3 months at the moment. During this time you can send in any extra evidence that you have - it might just tip the recon decision in your favour. Send it to the address to which you sent the appeal.

If the recon does not go in your favour, you can send extra evidence up to a couple of weeks before the tribunal date.

Hi Rosie

When you say 'assessment phase' of the appeal, do you mean the reconsideration stage, where the DWP reconsider their decision prior to appeal?

You can send additional information at any time; either to the DWP at the reconsideration stage or to the tribunal at the appeal stage. Generally you are in a better position to decide what evidence to submit when you have received the appeal papers and know the basis of the DWP's decision. The pros and cons regarding when to submit evidence are discussed in the ESA appeal guide in the members area.

Good luck

Derek

I suffer from secondary progressive MS and am in the ESA contributions based work group. Should be in the support group and have been told by DWP to write in with a letter from my GP asking to be moved.

Does anyone knopw what buttons my GP should press in her letter?

RM

I suppose it depends on how much evidence/ better evidence you have as when you send it in.
This is what I did, below, whether or not it was right, who knows.
Firstly I waited to see what was on my med form when I received it after being placed in WRAG, prior to sending in my form re an appeal for SG.
I did not send anything else in re assessment & DM look at.
I intended to send more supporting evidence for when it went for the appeal/tribunal.
Luckily mine was overturned at reassessment by a DM from all the original paperwork.
However this gave me time for more hosp apts/ consultant apts/ getting the GP onside & MP letter etc. As I did not have to go to appeal I had everything ready for an appeal.
Now all this stuff is ready for the next merry go round on an ESA 50 when it plops on the doormat.
But it all depends on time & what you have I think.
Good luck