ESA Help

girlracer

Hi all.
I find it pretty ironic that I suffer from severe anxiety and panic attacks yet dwp seem to be making my life even more stressful.
Anyway. I put in an esa claim to start 6/12/2014
They wanted my December payslip to show my employer was paying me ssp. Tjats not a problem however I said I didn't get paid until 31/12/2014 and I felt this was too long to be waiting. I was concerned because housing benefit said that they can't assess my claim until I get an esa award notice.
I have since ended my employment because my depression is getting worse. I have sent dwp a letter from my employer stating how much I will get paid on 31/12/2014 rather than wait another 2 weeks maybe more because of new year for my wage slip. Esa said its fine.
I should add I hhave three kids.
I have been told I cannot get income based esa so I hope I will get contribution based. I have sent my medical form back to acos or whatever they are called.
Do I have to wait till my medical appointment to get any money?
To say I'm struggling is an understatement. Not sleeping at night. Please help. How long can I be expected to wait. Sick of trying to call them.

Beckyp15

Hi no you don't have to wait till your medical assessment. As soon as you provide satisfactory evidence and are entitled to ni contribution allowance you will get paid. However make sure they don't so what they did to me and pay my old account which wasn't even on the claim form!

girlracer

Thanks becky. Too say I'm stressed is an understatement. I'm having to go and collect a food parcel now. But when it finally gets sorted I will give back to them. Its only fair.

I rang esa. Think they r sick of me now.
Tjey haven't received my proofs yet despite me sending them last week. It all goes through a mail system there end or something so got to ring back up on friday.
Got £8 to my name so better go pay it to my landlord. Hopefully look better on me if they take me to court

tomtontom

You say you're not entitled to income based ESA - do you have a partner that works?

Presumably you still have CB and CTC to make sure the kids aren't going without?