claiming ESA, timescales

Picklesmomma

Hi all!

I applied for ESA last September, lots of delays but was awarded and had back pay paid on Christmas Eve 2013 (yay food!!!). I had my wca after 24 weeks (in June 2014). I am still waiting on a decision on my assessment, it's been 13 weeks.

Anyone had any experience of this? I know delays are common after sending the questionnaire back and waiting for ATOS to contact you but others I know have found their decision has been made quite quickly. I've found out it hasn't even been looked at by the 'decision makers' yet "/

Is this normal? Any tips to speed things up without rocking the boat, I am currently receiving £33.48 a fortnight (aswell as child benefit/tc for my son) due to deductions and I'm starting to struggle.

rogerblack

Contact them, explain you're in difficulty, and ask to have your case moved up the queue.
It can work - but it may have no effect.

Picklesmomma

Thanks roger

I've been calling almost every week and am just told there is a back log.

Picklesmomma

Just spoken to someone at the benefits centre handling my claim, it is going to be atleast another months before it's even looked at. bloody hell!

TELLIT01

The standard suggestion at this point is to contact your local MP. It shouldn't be necessary but it can be and it nearly always speeds up the process. Funny that!!

Picklesmomma

I've emailed my mp. Waiting atleast another month for a decision when it's already been 3 is pushing it! I just want to know what's going to happen.