ESA

JAF wrote: I am in the work related activity group for ESA. My health has deteriorated over the past year, and I am wondering whether it would be worth trying to get into the support group. I can't get any sense from the DWP about how to do it, which is adding to my uncertainty. My original decision was made in August 2012. Any replies would be helpful.

I am stating the obvious but it is often missed, to be placed in the Support Group you will need to meet one or more of the Descriptors for the group, so the first thing you need to do is check whether this is the case or not. See our ESA Claim guides

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

You also need to be aware that the ESA Descriptors and Regulations were updated in January 2013, so it is possible that as a result of this you may not score for some of the Descriptors that you did when assessed in 2012, so in addition to checking whether you meet the SG criteria you should also confirm that you still meet the WRAG ones.

Finally, in order for your deterioration to be assessed you will need to provide medical evidence that specifically shows the deterioration and that also shows that it occurred after you were last assessed.

If you think you do meet the requirements for the SG then you should write to the DWP office that normally deals with your claim requesting a re-assessment of your claim as a result of a deteriorated condition, you will then be sent a new ESA50 to complete and will likely have to attend a face to face assessment.

Gordon