DWP Letter - good news I think?

I was moved from IS to ESA SG without medical Mar 2013 after submitting ESA50 Jan 13. Received another ESA50 early Jan 14, returned late Jan 14. Heard nothing, (except standard notice of new benefit rates on Jan 16/14), until today.

Todays letter says :

"Your claim for ESA
A change in the ESA rate payable

We have looked at your claim again following a recent change.
From 8 April your ESA will be £xx per week." (No difference in rate from letter of 16/1/14)

Given that they already informed me of the rate change in Jan, can I assume that the 'recent change' means they've simply renewed my ESA SG?

I know I could ring and ask, but I've learned not to poke the hornet's nest and frankly I don't think my mental and physical health, (second heart attack 6 weeks ago, whoopee!), could cope with the stress.

punilux wrote: I was moved from IS to ESA SG without medical Mar 2013 after submitting ESA50 Jan 13. Received another ESA50 early Jan 14, returned late Jan 14. Heard nothing, (except standard notice of new benefit rates on Jan 16/14), until today.

Todays letter says :

"Your claim for ESA
A change in the ESA rate payable

We have looked at your claim again following a recent change.
From 8 April your ESA will be £xx per week." (No difference in rate from letter of 16/1/14)

Given that they already informed me of the rate change in Jan, can I assume that the 'recent change' means they've simply renewed my ESA SG?

I know I could ring and ask, but I've learned not to poke the hornet's nest and frankly I don't think my mental and physical health, (second heart attack 6 weeks ago, whoopee!), could cope with the stress.

Hi p,

One would assume that the latest letter is "good news" and we have heard from members who have received similar letters where it has been "good news".

However, any further comment from me would only be an assumption.

You could either write to The DWP ESA office at the address on the letter and ask for written confirmation, or telephone to see whether they have your current status on-screen.

ESA PHONE NUMBER DWP : 0345 608 8545 Press Option 3 for ESA.

Someone else can ring on your behalf, as long as you are present to answer a couple of simple security questions, e.g. DOB, NI Number.

bro58

Thanks bro58, for my peace of mind this weekend I'll assume it's good news. I'm pleased to hear that others have received similar letters with a positive result. I'll try to summon up the willpower to call them on Tuesday.

Many thanks.

Hi p,

Yes, have a good Bank Holiday weekend !!!

Another advantage of ringing, is that you can also ask regarding the recommended period before reassessment of the award. (The Prognosis)

They should have that on-screen as well.

bro58