ESA lack of contact.

Blakespops

Hi All,

Towards the end of January I completed and returned the small pink question for work form I had sent. Since then I have had no news and have contacted them a number of times normally being told that they may be delays due to volume however today the lady was quite rude and in response to me saying I have had no news or decision she stated “if they accepted what you had placed on the form they would not need to contact you further and it looks like you will be moved to ESA within the next few weeks” I asked if I would be notified in advance so I know what to expect and she said “you may, but again if they have accepted what you placed on your form why would you need to contacted again?”
This has just confused me more as I thought I would need a decision letter to know if I agree or not or am I wrong and this is normal? Also I see that ESA is split in two and not knowing what part I am to be moved to and if I would need to appeal is just adding to both confusion and worry over what is happening. I am now at a total loss as to what to do as I do not wish to come off as being annoying by calling again hoping to get someone willing to answer my questions

Any advice on what is normal, what you would read into her answers. Also what if anything I should do now. Thank you so much for your time
God Bless

rogerblack

Yes, you will get a decision letter stating which group you are placed in.
What is likely happening is that your file has not been looked at by the decisionmaker.

Once this happens, several things may happen.
They can ask you or your GP for more information, or more likely, you will be called for a medical.

Unless your case is very clearcut - for example you have documented continence problems - it is likely you will be called for a medical.

Folar

ESA seems to be going into meltdown, I have written 3 letters, all sent recorded delivery and not had a reply at all. I got so fed up my MP has taken over for me and is getting some answers.

Folar

Unfortunately rogerblack that's not always true. I told them about my double incontinence problems, my doctor wrote a report about it and they sent me to a medical and put me in the WRAG. I have nerve damage that specialists have said will not get better. The DWP know this. The DLA have acknowledged it but the ESA can't seem to understand it.

rogerblack

Folar wrote: »

Unfortunately rogerblack that's not always true. I told them about my double incontinence problems, my doctor wrote a report about it and they sent me to a medical and put me in the WRAG. I have nerve damage that specialists have said will not get better. The DWP know this. The DLA have acknowledged it but the ESA can't seem to understand it.

I was neglecting the systemic problems.
Have you appealed, if you believe you meet the criteria for the support group?

Folar

I am trying to, 3 letters as yet unanswered. It's a bit convoluted but basically I didn't get a letter saying what group I had been put into and didn't even know I had been reassessed until the JC+ told me!

Hoping my MP will have more luck than me at the mo.

Blakespops

I just feel a 3 month wait just to know what will happen next in tant amount to torture in a way. I am bedbound for large periods unable to move even if I wished to. I use a NHS electric wheelchair and have many adaptations to home to make life easier and after reading some of the stories about ESA it is a worry and being able to know what the future holds by way of stability to income so I can just get on with dealing with my health issues knowing my wife and son will not suffer more than having to be my carer due to me being disabled as am. The worry only adds to the guilt felt by not being able to be a full husband/father and also provider. I would love to be back running our own business as I was prior to being disabled. We even hired two people however it closed when I was disabled and now the way they treat you is in no way "with dignity" I am unsure they would know what it means.

Folar

Blakespops I can totally sympathise with you and your situation, it's horrible and unfair. There is nothing you can do but wait and jump through whatever hoops they ask you too. You have to be patient cos everything takes forever.

Blakespops

Most people are missing the point of what the lady at ESA part of jobcentre told me.... “if they accepted what you had placed on the form they would not need to contact you further and it looks like you will be moved to ESA within the next few weeks” I asked if I would be notified in advance so I know what to expect and she said “you may, but again if they have accepted what you placed on your form why would you need to contacted again?”

I guess she lost the employee of the month award and was in a mood. My wife asked one of the other parents at our school who works at the jobcentre and told her what she had said this woman thinks it is real bad what we were told and said we should call back as the answer should have been made inside 4-6 weeks and she says knowing my condition she thinks I should be on a support ESA and if not she will help us deal with things when we find out.

Folar

She was probably just in a mood at being disturbed by a mere mortal such as yourself.

In order to be put into the Support Group you have to fit within certain descriptors, regardless of what condition you have, unless it's terminal.

Most people are placed in the work related activity group, which is a group whereby they understand you may not be able to work in the immediate future but with help you will be able to do some form of work at a later date.

redbicycle

The problem I had after going on ESA on mental health grounds last summer, is that I was left on the assessment rate for longer than I should have been, I got the work related activity group component backdated after I finally had the work capability assessment but it took a while, and too much bothering of the DWP and Atos on my part.