PBC exemption from ESA reassessments?

[AM2016]

Hello all,

I wondered if anyone has successfully persuaded the DWP that their PBC will not improve or go away, and therefore does not have to undergo any more work capability assessments for ESA under the long-term health condition exemption clause.

My personal experience of PBC is a daily struggle with profound fatigue. I had to give up work about six months after I was diagnosed four years ago. Every day is a challenge, and all I can do is try to manage my condition.

I'm in the Support Group for contributions-based ESA after having to go through an awful appeal process and going from zero points at the assessment straight into Support Group at a tribunal. It was recently extended without another WCA after I filled in the massive medical form telling them that there was no improvement in my condition, and having medical letters to back this up.

It would be a huge weight off my mind if I could take away the constant worry about the future when my current ESA award expires. I wondered if anyone has managed to persuade the DWP that their experience of PBC qualifies for exemption from assessments.

Many thanks.

[kimphoebe]

Hi there

When I went for my assessment, she told me that I would be ok until transplant then they would expect me to get better. I worked 5 years after dx, but it was a struggle. In the end had to give up. Now iv got cirrhosis I’m going to claim for pip as well. Did try once but failed. Not going to give up this time, the women doing that assessment even asked me how long I’d been drinking, so knew nothing bout pbc 🤷‍♀️

[Biddyb]

Sorry can’t help on this as I retired over 10 years ago. I hope you get some good advice

[PBCRobert Partner]

Collette at the PBC Foundation may be able to help. She used to serve on the appeals tribunals.

01315566811