ESA Awarded without Interview

cakeforbrains

I am just wondering if this has happened to anyone.

Basically, we applied for ESA for my brother several months ago and have been waiting for an interview/assessment to come up. We were under the impression they had 13 weeks to make their decision but this deadline came and went without any appointment being sent. My mother called them a few weeks ago and was just told to wait.

Then yesterday morning, about four or five months after we started the applications, he received a letter saying that he'd been awarded ESA and put straight into the Support Group (we were expecting the work related group). My mum phoned again and it was confirmed that he wouldn't have to actively look for work for at least two years.

Obviously we are over the moon, but can't help thinking that something has gone weird. Any ideas?

Edit to say: his rate was also doubled to the full payment of £106 per week, plus he was awarded back payment which has already been transferred to his account.

DomRavioli

ESA doesn't always need a medical interview - if the supporting evidence was sufficient to place into the support group without an interview, then you will be placed without interview.

Sounds pretty straight forward with the back pay as well.

cakeforbrains

DomRavioli wrote: »

ESA doesn't always need a medical interview - if the supporting evidence was sufficient to place into the support group without an interview, then you will be placed without interview.

Sounds pretty straight forward with the back pay as well.

Oh ok. That's the bit of information I was missing; I thought they always called for interview. I shall consider that I did a good job filling in the form then. Fab.

rogerblack

cakeforbrains wrote: »

Oh ok. That's the bit of information I was missing; I thought they always called for interview. I shall consider that I did a good job filling in the form then. Fab.

They only have to call you for interview if they are contemplating finding you fit for work.

Indie_Kid

This happened to me. It took them longer than 13 weeks, which was frustrating. But it was such a relief to have needed an interview.

Natty68

This happened to me too, but I got a response from them, about being put in the SG, within 4 weeks of sending in my ESA form. Although admittedly I did send a copy of my Dr's notes and a lot of back up letters etc..

cakeforbrains

Thanks everyone. Yes, the wait has been a bit frustrating but at least he's had some money in the meantime.

I filled in the form and my mum wrote a supporting letter (as his carer effectively). We didn't have any doctors' reports specifically but presumably they contacted his GP.

Murphybear

I got put into WRAG for the third time, only ever had one face to face. I never enclosed any further evidence, just filled out the forms in great detail.

help4help2013

it does happen

cakeforbrains

Thank you all.

If anyone is interested for their own research, my brother has quite severe Aspergers Syndrome with a formal diagnosis.