Employment support allowance review

[whatsername444]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post but I'm just looking to find out if anyone else is in the same boat...

I've been in employment support allowance support group since 2022.. was supposed to have my review in aug 2023, hadn't heard anything so called DWP who advised the date had been deferred for review till 2025. I'm just wondering if anyone else with the same benefit has had the same or similar happen ?

I'm in ill health, I have ms.. suffer with anxiety and ptsd.. so all the unknown is horrific. X

I've been on it since 2018 and still not been reviewed. I understand the worry/anxiety I have the same with pip as well. All the worry of not knowing when you'll be reassessed or if they'll give you an accurate review, if you'll still be eligible. It feels like an endless roller coaster. No answers I'm afraid just understanding.

I was also put in support group in early 2022 whilst doing chemo for cancer, was told review would be Oct 23 cutting off start Nov 23. We don't think have heard anything. I need to call them to see what is going on, trying to work up motivation to be on hold for an hour then someone who knows nothing then retry and get cut off then retry. Though will be very pleased if review date put back and contuining. I was very worried missed letter.

I would presume if review put back you will stay on same rate until 2025 unless you inform them of circumstances change.

I think I read that there was a hold on most DWP initiated reviews because they were struggling to keep pace with new ESA/UC assessments post the pandemic.

Just called over an hour to get through but then a lovely man answered and he said on the screen it says review Nov 23 but when you go in its actually Nov 25 and Nov 25 is right. Phew. He also said I should make a claim for PIP and said he would put me first in queue though when he did it was existing claims number so need to call back if want to do that, couldn't face another 1 hour queue to get through. Also need to check it.

Silkiefloof thank you so much for this <3 this has helped me relax a little, knowing someone else is the same. I've been told a couple of times it's deferred to 2025 but my anxiety just doesn't let me believe it, it's such a horrible feeling :( ... you've no idea how much reading that has helped me. So thank you. I hope you've taken some relief from calling too.
The lady told me the exact same - it says Aug 23 but when she went into whatever system it is it says Aug 25 x

Glad you are more relaxed about it now. I was so relieved, I have had treatment for cancer, chemo etc and also have a child who was in hospital 8 months and I have one surgery to go myself. Its such a relief, I have savings but it just gives a safety net and thank goodness no getting sick notes every month or so. I can't quite believe it so great to read yours too. I nearly cried when he told me. Had been worried they would kick me off it but the man was so nice and told me to claim pip too. Not sure if will do that but very kind of him and makes such a difference having a nice man answer.