Claiming ESA

kingfisherblue

I wish that I could claim ESA online for my son. I've now been on hold for more than an hour and fifteen minutes. I couldn't ring as soon as they opened, as my other son was in college and I had to drive him in, then go to an appointment.

Oh well, they close in an hour. I can try again on Monday. Both boys will be on holiday by then, so I can ring at 8am

w06

Apparently it takes longer but there is a way to claim by post, the form is here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-claim-form you fill it in and take or send to your local job centre plus,
link is from half way down this page https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim

TELLIT01

Printing the ESA claim form can cost a fortune in paper and ink. It's over 60 pages. You'd be better off calling in at your local Job Centre to pick up the claim form (ESA1). There shouldn't be an issue with just calling in for that, but to avoid problems - or them not having any forms, call them and make an appointment.

kingfisherblue

Thank you both. I gave up after being on hold for 95 minutes as I desperately needed the loo! I'll sort out my son's claim next week. Once the claim is in, I don't anticipate any problems - he has a severe learning disability as well as several other conditions and he attends a special needs course at college. I just didn't think that I would be on hold for so long!