Benefit screwup

wishface

I am making a claim for ESA but thanks to the DWP compeltely screwing it up then lying to me it's going to take twice as long. I don't have the money to last as long as it could take (and that's assuming the claim is agreed and I can't assume it will be since I don't know), what options are there for when my £40 runs out and I can't afford to travel to the jobcentre to pick up any crisis loan I apply for (assuming of course that gets approved). The claim was initially a rapid income support reclaim, but since that should have been ESA and no one told me, they've had to transfer the details across. In the meantime i have been lied to and told to make a fresh claim since it will take weeks for that transfer to happen (it's done by mail). I've had IS managers lie to me that they will help speed this up and consequently am having to ask the GP for a replacement sick note. It's a total mess for which no one will accept responsibility. Thanks.

viktory

Personally, I would use some of the £40 you have to purchase an Oyster card so you are able to travel to the JCP.

wishface

no oyster cards here, just the country's worst bus service.

dmg24

You do not actually ask a question - care to clarify what you wish to know?

G51shopaholic

ESA - Employment Support Allowance - read the Act. Get the facts that you need to support your claim and get more money faster.

You don't say how old you are, or if your single or have kids etc. All these are important factors.

It states that you can request to be placed in a phase while your assessment is being done. Therefore they shouldn't keep you on the lowest level but place you in the lower bracket until your 13 weeks assessment is complete.

I did this - took a bit of fighting & with the help of my local MP it was sorted within 6 weeks.

Are you claiming Contributions Based or Income Based ESA?

Have you received Incapasity benefit before as this would mean the advise you were given the 1st time round was actually correct.

I missed the date by 1 day back in 08 - they tried to tell me I'd have to wait 13 weeks to be assessed. I pointed out I'd been off work for 28 weeks + 3 days and was getting Chemotherapy.

Stick to your guns - a Crisis loan should be approved within 7 days I thought?