ESA reassessment

[LovelyBath77]

Hi, I'm just trying to fill in the ESA form for a reassessment I'm in the support group in the risk category for mental health and also have a physical condition which needs managed so it's also about risk to that as well.

I was last reassessed in Jan 2016 and placed back in SG on paper so hoping this may happen again.

Can anyone advise to any changes with the ESA. I also noticed there is a new form which seems basically he same, it does ask for an email address. I'm unsure about this as they may derive things like i am proficient using email etc.

Also is it a good idea to include my enhanced rate PIP letter- i was awarded at appeal last year. As some of the criteria there maybe linked with the risk part- in particular things like needing supervision to prepare and cook a meal. Many thanks in advance for any help.

Hi Becca
I have just started new meds ref at risk as well . Does the new form cover what part is it in .

I'm not sure, it depends on specific risks and evidence to prove that risk e.g. Hospital admission discharge letters. I just copy and paste ehat I already have and don't read it fully as I finding it triggering mentally.

I hope you can sort it out. Just do it bit by bit. Be prepared for a fight in terms of appealling.

Just to respond to an earlier comment - terminal illness definitely still passports you to the support group.

I know it's not ideal but lots of people are successful at tribunal, even if being found unfit for work at assessment doesn't work. If you're put in the work group, don't be afraid to take it to tribunal. There is a tiny risk that they'll remove the award, but it is very tiny and had to be based on evidence you present. Good luck all.

Hi Becca

Just to let you know I phonned dial they are going to help me with form when I get it and with appeal if I have to.

I'm glad. Good luck.

Hi, I realise this thread hasn't been active for a while but I've got a reassessment on Friday. Been in SG for last few years but have a feeling they won't let me stay in it this time, which is scary as I can't hold down a job. Got physical and mental health conditions which in real terms make life difficult to manage from day to day, but as long as I don't have to do much more than self-care and keep my home ticking over then often I'm functioning well enough. But as soon as I have to take much responsibility for anything I start to fall apart more, mentally and physically. Just can't cope with routine and expectations and workplace interaction and commuting. I'm 51 now and I've tried so many different things but I'm just not cut out for the world of work, so I try to contribute in other ways and focus on looking after myself as best I can.

Anyway, previously I was assessed on paper and since then I've had three more significant diagnoses. Even so, they want to see me face to face. I know it's a game and they're hoping I'll fold. Last year I lost half my DLA at a farcical PIP assessment but didn't appeal because I was in a bad place. If they force me to appeal the ESA decision I won't take it lying down this time. I'm only worried that I was open with some of my consultants about voluntary work I was trying around the time I had my appointments with them at the hospital, and so they've mentioned it in their reports. As it happens, the retraining and occasional voluntary work hasn't worked out for me, as my health has deteriorated, but I wonder if the fact I was trying would go against me at a tribunal? You know, say the DWP put me in the WRAG (or worse, try to shove me into claiming UC) and I appeal it to remain in the SG, would the tribunal find against me because some of my medical evidence mentions that I was doing my best to retrain and try a bit of voluntary work? I wonder if anyone has any experience of this, I'd appreciate any insight you could offer.