ESA50 renewal

Parva

Hi chaps, I've today received an ESA50 having been on ESA for the last 12 months (WRAG). Receiving the form doesn't phase me at all as due to complications my condition is much worse than it was the last time I filled the ESA50 in. My question relates to the timeframe to return the form. Now I've already filled the form in (used the online version which I will print out) and the form must be received by ATOS by 23/01/13.

Is it in my interests to send the form in early or should I wait until nearer the cut-off date? Assuming that a decision could still go either way if I sent it off early and was found fit for work (not going to happen but anyway), would this mean my ESA finished at an earlier date than it would otherwise have done had I waited until nearer the cut-off date?

Parva

sliverman wrote: »

Do I understand you correctly? You believe that you may not get another ESA award (improvement?) so are wondering when to send the esa50 back in order to maximise the amount of ESA you would get?

Surely if you are that worried, wouldn't it be better to get it over with than to put yourself through more stress by delaying it?

Nope, you do not understand me correctly. I am also not looking for an 'improvement' as you put it. I'll word it in a more simplified manner.

ESA50 renewal form arrives with a 3 week sell by date, is it better to apply early or leave until the last minute?

I'll leave you to work out the implications of whatever action Andy

yvoweb

I would just get it done and over with - filled my daughter's third form in as soon as it arrived. It wasn't due back until 3rd January but they would have received it well before Christmas. She got a letter dated 25th December saying that she hadn't returned it. Lucky we kept photo copy - she rang them and it was an automated letter. Do they want clients to have kittens!!!

rogerblack

In principle, as I understand it, a fresh decision would be made, as of the date that the form is looked at by a decision maker.

This can remove an existing award.
In practice.
Send it in a week early, to ensure you are not penalised for late return of the form, and send it registered, and keep a copy of what you entered.

The appropriate use of delays can reduce the number of interactions with the benefits system.
However, be cautious and don't cut it too fine.

Parva

rogerblack wrote: »

In principle, as I understand it, a fresh decision would be made, as of the date that the form is looked at by a decision maker.

This can remove an existing award.
In practice.
Send it in a week early, to ensure you are not penalised for late return of the form, and send it registered, and keep a copy of what you entered.

The appropriate use of delays can reduce the number of interactions with the benefits system.
However, be cautious and don't cut it too fine.

Thank you Roger, the answer I was looking for.

Parva

sliverman wrote: »

I agree too which is what I told the poster as well.
Unfortunately the poster seems to have a problem understanding - is it that they want to delay it because they think they might be kicked off it due to an improvement in their health and abilities.

Personally I cannot understand anyone that would want to prolong the agony by not sending it back asap!

What happens to myself after the ESA50 is returned is irrelevant and wasn't the question. Fortunately Roger understood the question I was asking.

Parva

Sending ESA50 tomorrow (or at least putting in the postbox). I've nothing to hide and everything on the form is 100% true. I look forward to the assessment.