Telephone number for existing ESA claim??

earthbound_misfit

Hello, trying to help a friend sort out his benefits as they've stopped them due to a failed medical but there hasn't been a medical! (First he heard was the letter stopping his ESA!)
Can't find any numbers that are still in use, except lots of dodgy looking numbers on sites with addressess like "claimesa.com" that presumably charge premium rates then put you through to the DWP....
Help!

rogerblack

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim - this is not the proper number - however it's 0800 and should be able to rapidly give you the right number.
However - the letter stopping his ESA should have the correct number on it.
Has he kept the DWP up-to-date with his address.
If they have sent a letter to his address - he may find it rather difficult getting his benefits restarted.
He needs to contact ATOS http://www.atoshealthcare.com/contactus in addition, and see if he can get a new appointment.

He also needs to contact the DWP, and go through the mandatory reconsideration process that should also be mentioned on his letter - asking for a reconsideration of the stopping of his benefit - as he had good cause for not going to the medical as he diddn't know of it.

Reported postal problems in the area are relevant.

If it is held that he did not have good cause - or he fails to prove this - then he will _NOT_ be entitled to ESA payment at all until he has a medical.
Even if he puts in a fresh claim. (until six months time).

earthbound_misfit

He has an arrangement with the DWP that post goes to a care of address (family member) as he cannot always handle it well. So I'm pretty sure there was no ESA50 sent out, though how to prove that, I don't know!
New ESA50 is being sent out now. Will fill in the part about reasons for it being late. Also MP's office is on the case! Though how helpful that will be, I don't know!
Was wondering if it might be something to do with Atos no longer doing ESA reassessments? Ie: they didn't send a form because they're not going to reassess him, but the department that sent the lettter didn't catch up with this decision? Hmm...

rogerblack

ESA50s may not be sent out in all circumstances - it is quite possible just to get an appointment for a medical.
Usual - no.

If the appointee is not doing their job - passing on post - have you considered becoming the persons appointee?