ESA : Support group/chemotherapy??

Just a quickie regarding ESA assessment phase / LCWRA status :

I know that one of the “exceptional circumstances” that puts you in the support group is certain types of radiotherapy/chemo.

When can this apply? Do you have to to wait 13 weeks or can LCWRA (support group) be considered earlier if a claimant is doing chemo etc from week one of the claim?

I know the special rules can kick in without waiting 13 weeks, but what about SG status under exceptional circs?

My client just diagnosed with Cancer and claiming ESA tomorrow. Chemo starts next week….

Thanks, as always

Has a DS1500 been issued?

Support Group would only kick in at the start of the claim if they were terminally ill and a DS1500 has been accepted. If on chemo, the support group kicks in at the 13 week stage.

Not terminal, just undergoing chemo.

WCAs are meant to happen after 13 weeks, but some are taking 9 months due to backlog.

May have to write to ESA after 13 weeks and insist on SG status without WCA

Heres hoping they see sense…......................

They shouldn’t need to been seen face to face as the declaration on the reverse of the ESA50 will give them all the information they need to make a recommendation of support group to the DM.