Timescale approx for ESA3 to be processed ?

Spicedpumpkin

This is following on from this thread

Apply for State Pension and query about mixed age couple — MoneySavingExpert Forum

Just wondering if anyone knows the approx timeline of the ESA dept processing the ESA3 form, when asking income related to be added to the old style Contr Based ESA ?

Just so I know when to phone to enquire on the progress?  

It has not been long yet. Just want to get an idea 

Thanks

KxMx

Unfortunately there is no way of knowing. Workloads vary from office to office and even caseworker to caseworker. 
Personally I would wait 4-6 weeks before I thought about chasing it up.

Spicedpumpkin

KxMx said:

Unfortunately there is no way of knowing. Workloads vary from office to office and even caseworker to caseworker. 
Personally I would wait 4-6 weeks before I thought about chasing it up.

Thanks a lot

That is a lot longer than I thought it would be, to be honest.  I was hoping for it to be a lot quicker. As it has a knock on effect regarding our claim for HB 

Spicedpumpkin

I've had to phone up today anyway, as they have not paid me like they do normally do every 2 weeks. I just checked my bank and the payments have stopped. I have no letters or anything. Just after the date I asked for the esa3 no payments have been made. So 1 payment has been missed and another should have been later this week as well.


Its so frustrating trying to get through

KxMx

Did you get anywhere with them today? 

I find it's best to call on my mobile, put it onto loudspeaker, and get on with something else while the phone is nearby as I wait for an answer. 

Spicedpumpkin

KxMx said:

Did you get anywhere with them today? 

I find it's best to call on my mobile, put it onto loudspeaker, and get on with something else while the phone is nearby as I wait for an answer. 

Hello there
Thanks for the comment

Well I phoned today, and asked about it they said they had rec'd the form on 15th Feb and they were processing it ( I only phoned as I checked my bank and had no payments since the date of change of circumstances or letters etc ) 

I asked if they had any timescale about the result but they said no, but it could be 4 weeks but I think he just guessed to be honest. 

The thing is I want it wrapped up quickly as it effects my HB status and sorting that out as well. As our rent is a lot per month.

Thanks for the advice about speaker phone, that's what I do but I am a ball of nerves waiting for the connection to an operator and then hope I get one who understands my questions

KxMx

I appreciate that you want it wrapped up quickly, unfortunately you are at the mercy of DWP processing times which aren't usually quick by any means. 

Spicedpumpkin

KxMx said:

I appreciate that you want it wrapped up quickly, unfortunately you are at the mercy of DWP processing times which aren't usually quick by any means. 

I know that unfortunately.......but it means I will have to probably pay my Housing costs of over £1100 this month from somewhere as we are presently not on any income benefits which allow our HB to be paid.

I know its just something I just have to deal with as long term we will be better off when my partner gets his State Pension and all being well all the money will be backdated but its getting the money together to get through this stage.

Spicedpumpkin

Just an update. I phoned again yesterday as its been nearly 4 weeks now since change of circumstances
It still had not been done. So the person on the phone said she would escalate it for me to be done and put a note on it to say it was linked into housing situation
Hopefully it will get done soon now