claiming ESA - how long before you hear from them

carerof3

Hi,

I phoned last week to claim ESA for my son (I'm his benefits appointee), they said they would send a form to sign, but it's been a week now and I haven't recieved anything. Is this normal, is there anyone else who claimed by phone, and if so, how long did you wait to hear from them?

Thanks

NASA_2

Did they complete a 'hard copy' claim form over the phone which you would have to sign? Or was the claim taken on the computer system?

carerof3

She mentioned she was entering the information on a computer. I thought she said there would be something sent for me to sign - but I could be wrong - I know she said I may be asked to send the medical certificate, but to wait for a letter. He has severe learning difficulties and is at residential college doing life-skills - would they contact the college first? in that case it could take weeks - it took me a month to get them to take him to the GP to get a medical certificate!

NASA_2

If the claim was taken on the computer then you dont actually need to sign anything. All they will send out is a 'Customer Statement' which confirms the information you told them. It doesnt need to be signed or returned but is for your own records. If there is something wrong on the document then you need to advise them of what it is and, although I understand its a nightmare getting through, its something that needs to be done ASAP.

The medical certificate, I would always advise people that they can wait for the return envelope to arrive but if they wanted to they could send it on anyway, it forms part of the requirement for the claim to be processed with payments being issued. If you have the address of where it needs to go I would send it with a short cover note saying when the claim was made. Put his NINO, name, address etc. on it.

They will probably need something from the college as it can affect ESA. How old is your son BTW?

carerof3

My son is 20. My child tax credit ended the day before his birthday, so he only has his DLA coming in. So, should I have received the customer statement as it's been a week, or do they take longer to arrive? I have a telephone number to call, but it's an 0845 and I was trying to avoid a long expensive phone call if I could find if it was normal to wait this long.
Thanks

NASA_2

carerof3 wrote: »

My son is 20. My child tax credit ended the day before his birthday, so he only has his DLA coming in. So, should I have received the customer statement as it's been a week, or do they take longer to arrive? I have a telephone number to call, but it's an 0845 and I was trying to avoid a long expensive phone call if I could find if it was normal to wait this long.
Thanks

The customer statement should arrive at around a week. There is a chance your son could be entitled to ESA Youth. Did they talk to you about that at all?

carerof3

The phone line for applying says they don't give advice, but I fully explained the circumstances and she said she put it all in the comment box. I'll give it a few more days before phoning, to say it may be lost in the post, then.

Thanks for your help

NASA_2

carerof3 wrote: »

The phone line for applying says they don't give advice, but I fully explained the circumstances and she said she put it all in the comment box. I'll give it a few more days before phoning, to say it may be lost in the post, then.

Thanks for your help

They should be able to give general information on ESA Youth as it forms part of the application process. Hopefully it is picked up on by the processing team and they can investigate it.

carerof3

Hello ESA (or anyone else who can help)
The claim was picked up as ESA youth. I haven't recieved a customer statement, but have had a letter asking for a medical certificate from November 2008. The certificate I have was dated at the time of writing on 17th June 2009, to last 12 months, and has no start date, although my son's autism started from birth and didn't just appear now. Should I attempt to get the certificate ammended with a start date in the comments section, or will I have to manage to support him with only his DLA for six months? I only have benefits and child maintenance coming in. I tried phoning the ESA department to ask, but despite phoning every hour, it always said it was busy and phone back later! I'd be grateful for any advice. Thank you

NASA_2

carerof3 wrote: »

Hello ESA (or anyone else who can help)
The claim was picked up as ESA youth. I haven't recieved a customer statement, but have had a letter asking for a medical certificate from November 2008. The certificate I have was dated at the time of writing on 17th June 2009, to last 12 months, and has no start date, although my son's autism started from birth and didn't just appear now. Should I attempt to get the certificate ammended with a start date in the comments section, or will I have to manage to support him with only his DLA for six months? I only have benefits and child maintenance coming in. I tried phoning the ESA department to ask, but despite phoning every hour, it always said it was busy and phone back later! I'd be grateful for any advice. Thank you

Try getting a backdated sickline. If the sickline is backdated your son might come into payment sooner. If not then you might have to wait six months.

Mandymull

my daughter is 17, she attends school full time Special needs school. she has recently claimed ESA in youth ...we were asked to provide a sick note from GP for the 6 months before we applied..this was then sent off to ESA people....medical form was sent here i filled it out on her behalf and sent off again...the medical form asked lots of questions about my daughters ability etc and what she could do , i recieved a letter 4 DAYS LATER to say that she had been put straight in to the SUPPORT GROUP and would not need to attend an interview etc.....her money of £108.00 a week would start beg of August which is 14 weeks form the date we applied for her (May 5th )
Hope this helps.
Mandy