Esa / esa3

tommytynan123

HEAD and BRICK WALL:mad:

We phoned again to try and get the ''nice old dear'' who was going to say ''ignore the form etc'' Got a nice person but still ''you must fill in the form''
I kept stressing its contribution based so my pension income is not part of this. Reply was that the info was required to check for any changes about me !!!!!!!! I replied ''but this info is the first you've ever got about me so how can it be compared ??''

''you must fill in the form''
''you must fill in the form''
''you must fill in the form''

I kept stressing its contribution based so my pension income is not part of this. Reply was that the info .........

''you must fill in the form''

I'm being quite serious when I say the situation is making my wife very anxious and worried. She has spent 30% of the last 10 years in hospital after a sibling death - thats the situation I am in and why retirement early was actually a real godsend.:(

Anyone think a visit to the local jobcentre might help ????

epitome

They are talking crap, did you insist on getting a callback from the BC?
They don't like doing callbacks because it goes against their stats if they think you can be fobbed off with a "complete the form" that's what they will do rather than allow you to speak to the BC......but you should have asked for a callback and stuck to your guns and if they said "no" you should have asked to speak to their team leader and ask them why you are being refused a callback on something that is so obviously wrong (you don't need to fill in this form) The claim is contributions based, there have been no changes except change of address, there is no need once an "ICT" has been done for any other forms or suspensions.

**What I would do**
The first thing I would say, after they say "how can I help you?"
I would say "Sorry what was your name again?" followed by "and which contact centre?" ... then say "thanks, I just need that for my records....I want to report a change of address", don't mention the ESA3 or any previous calls or the letter you sent..... and pray that they don't read any previous notes ... and then start singing from the same hymn sheet.

When they say "ok" and start to fill out the change of address form (ICT)....tell them that you want them to select "ESA Conts" on the Change of address form. When they have finished the change of address form tell them
"I need you to send that form in HOT, with a request for a callback to confirm this is all that's required to have the current suspension lifted for change of address."
DO NOT MENTION THE ESA 3 unless they do. If they mention the ESA3 and the previous calls just tell them, as it is an ESA C (SG) claim I believe the ESA3 is in error and I want to speak the BC, please book me a callback....but before you do, I want you to do an ICT change of address for me.

Going to the jobcentre will not make a jot of difference other than you can use their phones and the call will be free.

If theyrefuse the above & hang up on you and do not call you back or they refuse to let you speak to a TL or refuse to have a TL phone you back then you have their name & office for a complaint.

If you get a callback from the BC without having been allowed an ICT to be done, then ask the BC why the claim is suspended given that there are no changes other than address and it is an ESA C claim...if they persist.... ask them "What possible changes could there be that would affect an ESA Conts claim?"
If they say you might have earnings - tell them she doesn't have a job
If they say her pension tell she doesn't have one or it hasn't changed.

If none of this works I would fill in the form with a covering letter stating that this is an ESA C claim and leave all the partner questions unanswered.

tommytynan123

Well .. in the end we filled the form in. I could see my wife getting more and more anxious (not good) so just caved in. We did put on the notes that this was for an ESA C claim that had been last authorised in Feb. I had to include my pension details etc and our financial situation regarding savings and ''cash''. I put £22.71 for cash after tipping my wallet on the table.:cool:

Our total was just under the £5500 threshold that requires bank statements etc - where is that figure from ??? Whats BC ?? Some of the questions were plain stupid like

''how much will your next pension increase be and when ??'' It will be next April but the amount ???????

Post tomorrow and if it wasn't for the effect on my wife I would ask her to phone again - but I can't. I am very tempted to write my own letter to them to explain the effect this stupid system is having on my wifes health - I could really do without it tbh.:(

epitome

Recorded delivery...phone them after 8 days to confirm receipt.

tommytynan123

epitome wrote: »

Recorded delivery...phone them after 8 days to confirm receipt.

Thanks - hadn't thought of that !
Thanks for your help and comments.:T
I've had 11 years now of mayhem, hospitals, home visits, consultants .. on and on .. but I can't change the cards and must just get on with it. BUT I do have my 1st grandchild now and thats great.:)
Onwards

tommytynan123

New day !!!!
Anyone aware of any contacts (email / phone) at JCP (form is going to Gloucester) who I can talk to about this problem. I still feel that there is one person there who will listen and sort it - its just finding the right peron.
Thanks