WCA decision

Hi Everyone,
I'm just stressing out about what steps to take next, my ESA has been stopped... I have GAD, PTSD and suffer from depression and I have also been having migraines pretty much daily for the past year which have been attributed to stress by my GP. I scored 0 on the WCA - I can't believe it. I understand I can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.... but looking for some advice on if it is worth it. I really do not feel that I am able to work at the moment but I wonder if it is easier to struggle along without ESA than jump through a whole bunch of DWP hoops as the odds really do not seem in my favour?
Thanks in advance :/

Tessa Hughes wrote: Hi Everyone,
I'm just stressing out about what steps to take next, my ESA has been stopped... I have GAD, PTSD and suffer from depression and I have also been having migraines pretty much daily for the past year which have been attributed to stress by my GP. I scored 0 on the WCA - I can't believe it. I understand I can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.... but looking for some advice on if it is worth it. I really do not feel that I am able to work at the moment but I wonder if it is easier to struggle along without ESA than jump through a whole bunch of DWP hoops as the odds really do not seem in my favour?
Thanks in advance :/

Hi TH,

This is only a decision that you can make, although if you feel up to it, you have little to lose as you have been denied ESA.

You can request an MR of the adverse fit for work decision in writing within one month of the date of the ESA Decision Notice Letter.

However, whilst the MR process is ongoing, if you need an income, you would have to claim JSA.

You would only be able to revert back to Assessment Rate ESA, once you have appealed to the Tribunal Service directly, if it gets that far.

The above information is on the premise that this is your first ESA fit for work decision.

If you don't contest this fit for work decision you will not be able to make a fresh claim for ESA in the future unless you can show that there has been a significant change or deterioration in your condition.

Have a read through This Topic and the links to other topics therein.

Taking our : ESA Self Test. may give you a better idea of how and why you may qualify.

If you didn't use our : ESA Claims Guides , you might want to read through them as well.

Qualifying for the WRAG

Qualifying for the Support Group

See also : ESA MR/Appeals Guidance.

Mandatory Reconsiderations Explained

&

Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and Mandatory Reconsiderations.

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