Is 5 medicals in 4 years normal practice?.

I have been claiming ESA for three years now and i have had to attend four medicals over this period.
Each medical was followed by appeals all of which were successful, last year, i attended a medical
and was asked "how long until you retire?" my answer was "November 2012 when i'm 65", the person
conducting what was more like an interview then said "its hardly worth putting you through all this"
and after about 5 minutes, the interview was concluded.
Two weeks later i received a letter from DWP stating that i had been put into the Support Group.
I have now received another E50 form to be returned by 22 June, why is it necessary to attend
5 medicals in three years yet still end up receiving ESA at the Support Group level?.
Is this common practice for all claimants or do they single certain ones out for this treatment?
Billws.

The government are determined that no-one will be allowed to 'languish on benefits (their words, not mine!) without regular reassessments. The minimum time one can go between assessments is 3 months - which, in practice, means a new ESA50 arriving at around the same time as the previous decision. The maximum time is 3 years but I haven't heard of many people getting that (they are probably at home relaxing rather than posting on here).

My sympathy I know how hard it is to be continually sent for for medicals, Im 59 good luck.

Mrs Hurtyback wrote:

The government are determined that no-one will be allowed to 'languish on benefits (their words, not mine!) without regular reassessments. The minimum time one can go between assessments is 3 months - which, in practice, means a new ESA50 arriving at around the same time as the previous decision. The maximum time is 3 years but I haven't heard of many people getting that (they are probably at home relaxing rather than posting on here).

Where has the 3 year maximum time limit suddenly come from?? I may well be missing something but i would be greatful for any info!!! Just to confirm i have been in the support group since May 2009 but i had 10 months waiting for tribunal which was awarded in Jan 2010 and backdated to May 2009. I fought tooth and nail to be placed into the correct group after failing my medical with only 6 points. During this period my credit rating has taken a major nosedive due to my home being repossessed, which to this very day is not resolved and is still in the hands of my solocitor. There was no date for renewal on my award but i haven't spent the last 3 years "relaxing rather than posting on this site" that was suggested.

I am just over 3 years now, but not 1 day has gone passed where i havn't breathed a sigh of relief once the post has been. I have been in constant dread of that brown letter like everybody else not knowing when it will arrive. Indefinate means nothing anymore.

I would give anything to be fit enough to work and prior to May 2009 have worked full time since leaving school, at times juggling a full time job and 2 part time jobs just to make ends meet. I am sure many other members can relate to this. My health has in fact deteriorated rapidly over this time period so there has been very little time "to relax".

I have been a member of this excellent site for several years now and have had a lot of help and support from members and moderators so to read a comment like this has saddened me deeply.

Millymoo xx

"November 2012 when i'm 65"

You should not be attending any medicals, anyone retiring before 2014 is exempt.