A story about my ESA Been on ESA for about 8 years after every "assessment" I’ve been placed in WRAG. TBH that was never a problem for me as I only had a phone call every 6 months or so from Job Centre. That changed about 14 months ago as I was transferred to one of the providers and had to start going to meetings. The first woman I saw was great and advised to request to put in the support group, so I did. It took 8 months for a "assessment" (in the meantime I was passed to many different providers) This "assessment" was a complete joke the report was filled with lies and half-truths. I got zero points from her, but the decision maker did put me back into WRAG. I appealed that decision on the grounds of not being able to “mobilise more than 50 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion & also repeatedly mobilise 50 metres within a reasonable timescale because of discomfort or exhaustion. I supplied evidence from when I applied for a Blue Badge, and also when I was awarded PIP at high rate mobility and had another supporting letter. All the DWP had was at my "assessment” I was seen walking slowly for 7 metres” I have to admit I go into detail about how someone can assess me being able to walk over 50 metres, when I was only seen walking such a short distance. I did expect the mandatory reconsideration to reverse that decision (foolish I know) but they upheld the decision, saying being in pain wasn’t a reason Anyway I asked for a tribunal and basically said the DM had erred in law as being in the pain was a reason and it is clearly stated. I had my hearing on the 13th Dec that lasted about 45mins. I was asked to go into lots of details about my life. I expect this was to see if my answers were consistent. It did fill like a grilling but I was glad it was detailed as I knew my answers would support my case. At the end they said they would call me back in to explain their decision. I knew being called back in can be good omen as the person before me wasn’t , but was worried about the “explain their decision”. While waiting it was the first time I thought I might lose even though all the evidence is on my side. I needn’t have worried my appeal was allowed and basically explained that my oral evidence was relied upon. So that my ESA story, now to the question I have The tribunal recommends I am not reassessed for at least 24 months, and want to know if the DWP pays attention to this? P.S. I just had a letter from the Job Centre for an appointment in Jan, guess who won’t be going

I had a compliance officer visit as I had too must savings about 10K for a 6 month period. I played ball with them and supplied everything they wanted (EG bank statements) I was expecting an overpayment but not had contact from them since supplying the info, and that was over 2 1/2 years ago. So from personal experience let them have bank statements (if they want them that can get them anyway)

Thanks

A bit of a follow-up question. I understand someone that is on Contributory based ESA that is put in the support group will stay on it even after a year. But that person would like to have BT Basic and other bits you can get being on income based ESA. So if a person gets the income based top-up, can that person get BT basic and others bits based on income.

Thanks antone

Thanks for reply I've updated my OP to add more info.

Hi, I know if you get DLA (MRC) and are on income based ESA you get the severe disability premium. But if a person is on Contributory based ESA and gets PIP Daily living component (Standard) will they get the severe disability premium? The person lives alone and no one claims any carers allowance or any other benefits. Thanks in advance EDIT to add more info

One thing that has been missed out is that DLA won't be affected by any savings, so that would stay the same. (even if someone got 100k)

Thanks

You need to claim back all expenses EG postage & calls because of their error.

Thanks Starry. I guessing it (Disability premium)will get back dated if the claim for PIP is successful. It's for a friend, and she lives alone & no carer.

Is there a code number on form? the title relates to a ESA50 so it's confusing.

Regarding the Severe disability premium on ESA Can you still get it while on the assessment rate of ESA?

Stacey, I logged on to ask the same question as you (glad I had a quick look at though posts ) I been waiting 6 months since the forms when in. My thoughts are the longer then better, saves having to jump though hoops every year to 18 months.

Thanks for the reply. From Oct renewals will be PIP I think. Think I will return forms end of Sept, that gives them 2 months to sort it, as I stay on DLA