subject: Is Employing A Professional Counselor Essential When Filing Esa Appeal? [print this page] It has been observed that Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) has been misused by some people who are not actually eligible to receive the benefit. For this reason the Department of Work and Pension (DWP) developed a few modifications on how they screen candidates for the program as well as clean up their current listing. However, on the first three months those who got turned down and now seeking an ESA appeal already gotten to 97,000 or 71% higher than that of last year.
To better understand, ESA is available to individuals who have disability or illness that affects their ability to work. It is made up of two types which are contributory and income related. The latter is defined when an individual has really low income, possess a savings lower than 16,000 and have not paid enough National Insurance contributions. On the other hand, contributory ESA implies that adequate contributions were paid. The amount of time the recipient can enjoy the benefit will differ based on the person's circumstances whether they will be categorised according to two groups specifically work-related or support group.
The process in applying for ESA will undergo two phases - the assessment phase and the main phase. Throughout the assessment phase which will take a at least 13 weeks the applicant will be examine based on their own capability to work and will be interviewed on how much they can focus on any work. The particular assessment is carried out by health professionals authorised by the DWP and is done through points system. If for any reason the applicant will receive low points to allow them for ESA they have the right to file an ESA appeal to an independent appeal tribunal.
It has to be taken into account that the claimants are only given 30 days to ask the DWP to reassess their particular case or to file an ESA appeal. Considering that the rules are strict with its deadline, missing it will make it hard to take further action on the case. At this stage, it will be most effective if a professional adviser is employed to help the claimant on how to continue with the process although this option is not basically required.
Usually employing a professional counsellor in following up an ESA appeal offers several benefits. This is because they have more experience and expertise in offering advice on how to go about with the case. The applicant can also consult the counsellor for assistance on the way to write their appeal in a better means. Likewise, professional counsellor can also follow up the applicants attending physician for a more detailed report regarding their health issue. Additionally, a list of suggested descriptions can be given to the tribunal by the counsellors that will help in bringing up considerable proof that the applicant is certainly qualified to apply for ESA.
It must be taken into account that health professionals who carry out the particular assessment are not infallible. Therefore, it is the right of any person to file an ESA appeal particularly if they believe that a decision is wrongly given on their own case. But as it is the obligation of the claimant to verify it then the help of professional counsellor will undoubtedly deem as necessary.
