ESA SDP claim - 3 months on!

Incywincy21

HI,
I was just wondering if anyone knows how long it takes from your claim being passed to a decision maker to you getting a letter/hearing about the decision?

Claim first went in in May. Was told payment would be in within 5 days. When nithing went it, several phone calls later I was told someone should have called me and I'd get a call back. No call back. When I finally do get one (after more chasing) I am told they want a copy of my tenancy agreement.

No problem, sent off. Took two more phone calls (one I was on hold for 2 hours before the line was cut off at closing time- because I was told I'd get a call back within 3 hours and if I didn't to call back straight away). They tell me they received the documents but are running behind and to call back in a weeks time.

It took 2 weeks of intermittent phone calls to establish that it had gone to the decision maker (over 3 weeks ago now) and they are allowed 6 working days, then I should hear.

Been on hold trying to get through this morning for 90minutes before giving up.

Anyone know how long it takes to hear? I get scared to call and pester - one of the women I got on the phone told me I wasn't a priority as at least I was getting money and they were needing to sort people who hadn't had any money since March so it's put me off ringing to enquire as much.

susieb

Do you do twitter theres an esa call handler on there called Mitchell edwards who is very helpful if you message him

poppy12345

Incywincy21 wrote: »

HI,
I was just wondering if anyone knows how long it takes from your claim being passed to a decision maker to you getting a letter/hearing about the decision?

Claim first went in in May. Was told payment would be in within 5 days. When nithing went it, several phone calls later I was told someone should have called me and I'd get a call back. No call back. When I finally do get one (after more chasing) I am told they want a copy of my tenancy agreement.

No problem, sent off. Took two more phone calls (one I was on hold for 2 hours before the line was cut off at closing time- because I was told I'd get a call back within 3 hours and if I didn't to call back straight away). They tell me they received the documents but are running behind and to call back in a weeks time.

It took 2 weeks of intermittent phone calls to establish that it had gone to the decision maker (over 3 weeks ago now) and they are allowed 6 working days, then I should hear.

Been on hold trying to get through this morning for 90minutes before giving up.

Anyone know how long it takes to hear? I get scared to call and pester - one of the women I got on the phone told me I wasn't a priority as at least I was getting money and they were needing to sort people who hadn't had any money since March so it's put me off ringing to enquire as much.

A claim for SDP only usually takes a few weeks, so this length of time is ridiculous. As they asked for a copy of your tenancy agreement they must have been doing further checks, possibly to see if you're classed as living alone.

Unfortunately, the only way you're going to get your answer as to what's going on is to keep ringing ESA and don't give up until you finally speak to someone that can help you. I know the waiting times are very long but it's a free number, which is a very good thing. Hopefully it'll be sorted soon.

If you still continue to be given the "run around" then maybe contacting your local MP for help could be a good idea.

https://www.parliament.uk/get-involved/contact-your-mp/

pmlindyloo

Reading the OP's previous posts it may be that she has asked for backdating of the SDP (8 years ago?)

QUOTE

DWP actually sent me the form near the begining of my claim, which I replied to - I never got a response so I presumed I didn't qualify! Turns out I should have done. Lucky I keep all documents and (proof of postage receipts which I write on what they were for!)...
We will see. I'm not too worried about back pay, but it would make a huge difference if I can manage to get it from now on as care costs are so high now!

If this is the case then it could account for why it is taking so long. There would need to be evidence of her circumstances for however many years backdating she has put a claim in for.

I do agree that the OP does need to keep telephoning and asking if they need any more evidence. If she has only recently been asked for her tenancy agreement then it suggests that there is a backlog of ESA 'enquiries' that the particular area is dealing with.

I also suspect that the claimants who are being asked about their transfer to ESA from IB (who weren't assessed for income based ESA) are also increasing the workload at the DWP.

Incywincy21

Thanks for your replies all!

I rung again, 1st August I was told it had been passed to decision maker (which they have 6 days to make a decision), which was why they said to ring if I hadn't heard by last Friday. They said still no decision made and they have forwarded to Benefits Centre for a callback (3-4days). Hopefully I will receive one this time.

Pmlindyloo, you're right it will be complicated by the length of time, though I presumed as it had gone to DM, it was finally near the end.
I understand the large workload of the ESA team with this error from IS to ESA changeover.

I sent them all my tenancy agreements I have had since applying for benefits - as I pre-empted this would be an issue... It is a complex situation as I am a lodger but the landlady does some of my caring/driving if I get stuck - though she is primarily my landlady and I have carers doing the main brunt of the work - though if carers are sick or short staffed and I have an appointment, landlady is understanding and will take me).

I'm incredibly grateful for what I already get, but with it being pointed out that I should be entitled to this by CAB, it did make me realise that my budget could balance and instead of deciding whether to pay for extra care time or go an extra day without a shower, could still have both!

Again, thanks for your replies everyone - another waiting game for a few days...