ESA Main?

Witch_Hazel

Trying to get my head around this employment and support allowance, would appreciate some help if anyone is able to assist.

I applied for ESA on my sons behalf due to him having autism and learning difficulties, got fit note from doctor and sent application away. He was awarded ESA assessment rate under 25. Just before Christmas I had to fill in a ESA50 form which I did, but haven't heard anything back as of yet.

However today I got a letter from the housing benefit department which now states ESA main phase, what does this mean? The benefit starts from 20th January 2014, have the DWP made a decision that he is entitled to ESA (either the wrag or the support group) or is this a standard housing benefit letter that gets sent out in week 14.

Thanks

Indie_Kid

There are 2 phases to ESA - assessment and main. Main is where h has been put into a group.

You should hear from DWP about this soon.

Witch_Hazel

Thank you sh1305

fed_up_and_stressed

Witch_Hazel wrote: »

Trying to get my head around this employment and support allowance, would appreciate some help if anyone is able to assist.

... have the DWP made a decision that he is entitled to ESA (either the wrag or the support group) or is this a standard housing benefit letter that gets sent out in week 14.

Thanks

Housing benefit is not administered by the dwp, this is dealt with by your local council

Witch_Hazel

fed_up_and_stressed wrote: »

Housing benefit is not administered by the dwp, this is dealt with by your local council

Well aware of that fact. However the DWP probably keep housing benefit section updated quicker than the claimant, hence my question.

McKneff

Does he have a place of his own or does he live with you?

Witch_Hazel

sh1305 wrote: »

There are 2 phases to ESA - assessment and main. Main is where h has been put into a group.

You should hear from DWP about this soon.

Just a quick update regarding the above. Haven't heard anything from the DWP so I rang them this morning, nice to see the DWP are as helpful as ever! No decision has been made, he will continue to get ESA at assessment rate. Phoned ATOS once again helpful as ever he's in a queue, can't tell me how long it will be before his case is even looked at.:cool:

The housing benefit letter seems to be a standard thing, that after week 13 of an esa claim whether you have been assessed or not you become liable to pay rent. So I guess we will have to pay his non dependant deduction even though he still get's esa under 25 assessment rates.

Witch_Hazel

It appears the powers of be have placed my son in the support group, got a letter this morning. We didn't have to attend medical with ATOS?

One final question now he has been placed in a group is there any need for further fit notes?

KxMx

No no need for further fit notes.
The letter should have told you this but ESA paperwork is not great!

Witch_Hazel

KxMx wrote: »

No no need for further fit notes.
The letter should have told you this but ESA paperwork is not great!

Thanks for your help.

airliner

Does your son receive DLA or PIP?