I Really don;t understand esa.

elliegirl

Hi, after reading different posts about ESA I am totally confused. I am currently claiming Contribution ESA (from Dec 2011) when I was medically retired from work. I rang the Jobcentre explained that I was not longer receiving wages and they told me I would get ESA if I provided medical certs. This I have been doing every 13 weeks, for as my doctor describes as Stress Related Symptoms. They have said that I have stress related IBS which means that I can be struck down with diarrhea anytime when I get panicked, stressed or upset, this will happen daily with no warning. I also suffer with depression and anxiety attacks. I have just read that this payment only last for 365 days. I have not been sent for a medical, asked to fill any assessments forms in, nothing apart from answering the initial questions over the phone when enquiring if I was entitled to anything. I am concerned also that my diagnosis has only been made from gp. I am waiting for an appointment with the mental health team so I really don't have any supporting evidence that I saw posted on another thread to start keeping. Does this seem right to you that I have been given this money for so long without any assessment and if not what should I do.

Horseunderwater

Unfortunately the 1 year rule started in April 2012 and is being applied retrospectively. So Dec 2012 will more than likely be the end date. But if you have IBS and are incontinent, then you should I think perhaps qualify for that descriptor for the support group.
8. Absence or loss of control over extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder, other than enuresis (bed-wetting), despite the presence of any aids or adaptations normally used.
At least once a week experiences:
(a) loss of control leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder; or
(b) substantial leakage of the contents of a collecting device sufficient to require the individual to clean themselves and change clothing.
That is the wording for the support group descriptor. (The one for WRAG is 1 month).
Does that sound like your situation? If so, put in an appeal to get into support group. GL24 may be the form. Others will know more I am sure.

elliegirl

Thanks for the replies. What I don't understand is that I am still in the assessment phase after 30 weeks. I have not been put into any group, not been sent a questionnaire, not been sent anything. My husband claims IB. We are appealing about not getting Dla for him. I just don't want to recieve a letter the 20 Dec which is what I have worked out the 365 day to saying payments have stopped.
Are saying that I should ring them now and ask to be put in a group?

schrodie

elliegirl wrote: »

Thanks for the replies. What I don't understand is that I am still in the assessment phase after 30 weeks. I have not been put into any group, not been sent a questionnaire, not been sent anything. My husband claims IB. We are appealing about not getting Dla for him. I just don't want to recieve a letter the 20 Dec which is what I have worked out the 365 day to saying payments have stopped.
Are saying that I should ring them now and ask to be put in a group?

So you haven't undergone a Work Capability Assessment after 30 weeks of being in the assessment phase!! I can't see how the DWP can time limit your CB ESA as they haven't even determined which group of CB ESA you're going to be in. From the limited amount you've said above regarding your income status you may be eligible for Income Based ESA providing you meet the very strict means test this tory government has placed on it.

So much for the 13 week assessment phase then the WCA. Me thinks the whole ESA edifice is close to collapse.

elliegirl

So either they have a massive backlog or I have been missed in the system. What do I do now?

elaine12022

It is surprising that you have not had any paperwork to fill in. What paperwork do you have about your ESA? Have you been put into a group - the WRAG (work related activity group) or the Support Group? Are you just getting the assessment rate for ESA?
did you complete the ESA50 form?

This is a link that explains the process

http://www.mduk.org/index.php?topic=1655.0

according to that link

12. If by the end of 13 weeks a decision has not been made on eligibility, for example because you have been too ill to be assessed, the assessment phase can be extended. Where this happens, when the decision as to which group the you belong to is made, any back payments of an additional component owed from week 14 onwards will be made.

Have you had nothing from ATOS?

If you can get through to the ESA line you should be able to ask for the status of your claim (they will be able to tell you what's showing on the computer system).

This is another link too

http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/esa/limitedcapability.asp

elliegirl

In Jan 2012 I phoned to say that I have been medically retired from 21 Dec 2001. They asked a few questions about why, what money we have coming in to the household. Husband on long term IB. They said that I was entitled to contributions esa and would be backdated from 21 Dec. I got a letter stating this and about the amounts £67.50 (I think) till April then £71. It also said that I may be called in for medical assessment and my husband may have to attend one as well. The only other contact I have had was when I was late sending in a medical cert. I phoned when no money went into the bank, was told it was stopped because of no med cert, I was told to get one backdated to the end of last one send it in first class and I would have money put in the bank the next Wed. Did this and money was put in and continues to do. This is all the contact I have had. I have not filled in any paperwork and have only had the orginal letter stating that they was pleased to tell that I have been accepted for esa (c).

elaine12022

That's really strange, My OH recently had a mad moment, rang up for ESA and he got a form from ATOS a week later, even though they shouldn't have processed it without a medical certificate..He even just had a letter calling him in for an ATOS assessment when he isn't even on ESA :rotfl:

I would definitely ring them up and ask them, and hopefully get some sense out of them. Ask them for the status of your claim, and explain why you are concerned. Hopefully you can get some sense out of them. If the poor person on the other end of the line can has only been trained to read a script then ask to speak to a supervisor.:) If you can manage it try and call between 8-9am, this is when they might be less busy.

Let us know how you get on.

Ellejmorgan

Hubby will be on ESA too everyone is being changed over to ESA who is on IB..

You will both be assessed but will be claiming as a couple, not sure at which point..

DLA is separate from ESA...

If you are in the support group there is no time limit, but if on CB and in the WRAG time limit is 365 days...