IB50 Form

I am in receipt of contribution based incapacity benefit nearly 2 years. I have just received an 1b50 form asking me to complete and return it to Atos by the 2nd anniversary of claiming. I have a polyartritic progressive condition, which is listed as exempted under the incapacity benefits. I do not get any other benefits. Although I did submit this form before when I initally started to claim.

I would like to know if I need to fill this in and send it back as I read the forum post on this subject saying that I shouldnt have to do it and quote the relevant section advising them. The letter said that if I need to know the reasons why i received this letter then I should call my job center. I notified them when I started a course quite a while ago I just got funding through a couple of weeks ago, and I wonder is this a coincidence or a trigger?

Obviously I will call them to find out but i like to be prepared as I know the system can be hard to understand, for both workers and claimants!

My questions are

a) do i need to fill in IB50?
b) Will it be better for me in the long run to fill it in even if i dont need to.
c)if I dont need to and dont, will they be nasty and try to push me on to ESA and/or send me for a medical?
c) if i do complete and send it in what are the next steps?
c)any idea why I got this ?

Many thanks

On your the letter you received telling you you were getting IB did it have a review date?

Hi Gareth,
i have just read the original letter there was no date given for a review but it said that I may be asked to fill in a questionnaire or be called for a medical. It also says further down that I may have both if my incapacity changes... However my condition is roughly the same as not yet controlled by medication.

So it looks like I need to fill it in, whats the likelihood of a medical examiniation? If so, Is it going to be the same criteria as the ESA medical?

Great more stress....

From what you've said it would appear that you were found exempt during your last assessment. I would therefore suggest reading and following the advice given in the guide 'Exempt but sent a
questionnaire?' from the Incapacity Resources Section available to download from the Members Area.

Hi Gareth,

Thanks for your response. One question I did notify the DWP when I started a course and told them what the course involved and also advised that my condition was still not under control. could this be the reason/automatic trigger why they sent 1b50 overlooking my exemption?

It could be a coincidence but it's really anyones guess at how the wheels turn within the DWP!

Just follow what's in the guide