ESA on hold for ever & backdating query

earthbound_misfit

Have been on hold for TWO HOURS today trying to help my friend put in an ESA claim. Is this usual??
I am worried they will refuse to pay from the date we tried to claim, as we couldn't even get through.
Also, he needs it backdated about 3 weeks, as he was on JSA previously and the jobcentre staff said he was clearly too ill and must claim ESA instead. He still attended all his signing appointments, but they are refusing to pay the last three weeks as they say he was too ill.
However, he only managed to see the doctor and get a sick note dated from yesterday. (Delay was because he was confused and suffering psychosis and hallucinations etc). However, the doctor won't write a sick note for the previous three weeks.
Any advice welcome...

Cpt.Scarlet

It's very unlikely that the DWP will accept a back dated claim that is not covered by a Fit Note.

rogerblack

It is however worth getting documentary proof from jobcentre that he was not allowed JSA, on the grounds of being too ill, and submitting that, if possible.
If there is no other doctor who could sign.

dookar

Job centre staff can't say that, they must refer for a capability decision. Did they do that?

earthbound_misfit

I think they referred for a capability decision - he had an extra appointment last week where they basically said he couldn't sign on anymore and MUST go to docs.
So we will try to get the statement from them!
Have managed to make the ESA claim today, and apparently you can backdate 7 days before the 'fit note' so it's only about 10 days money he's missing. Still, we will try...
Thanks for all the replies/advice