ESA application

muswellblue

Hi,

I’m on long term sick, I have three months until SSP runs out and then go on half pay.

I just applied for new style ESA as read I can apply three months before SSP runs out. I applied online and also downloaded my current fit note, it said I’d be contacted within ten working days to arrange a telephone appointment.

I hadn’t heard anything or had any acknowledgement so I called them. They said they won’t arrange an appointment until SSP runs out.

So my question is how long roughly does it take from SSP running out to actually getting first payment? It says if you apply in advance you should have a smooth transition from SSP running out to getting first payment. But surely that process will take a while if they are waiting for SSP to run out before arranging an appointment?

Appreciate it will get backdated, and also that the assessment phase will be 13 weeks to see what group you get put in. Just wandering how long it will take to get initial payment once SSP runs out.

TimeLord1

The good news is that the person you spoke to on the phone was giving you flawed information. The DWP can and absolutely does process advance claims and set up appointments before Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) officially ends.

The call handler likely told you that they wouldn’t arrange an appointment until your SSP runs out because they are waiting on a critical piece of paperwork: the SSP1 form.

Your employer is legally required to give you an SSP1 form exactly 4 weeks before your SSP is due to end. This form confirms the precise date your sick pay stops.

DWP states the transition should be seamless, actual claimant data shows that processing delays do happen. If there is a backlog at your local Jobcentre, it can take 4 to 6 weeks from the date your SSP ends to get that first payment in your bank. It will be backdated to the exact day your SSP stopped, but you should prepare for a potential multi-week cash-flow gap.

muswellblue

Work said estimated date SSP runs out is july 31st, they said they could give me SSP1 at the beginning of July, should I call DWP again when I have SSP1? And then maybe they will arrange an appointment.

TimeLord1

Even though you’ve already completed the online application, calling them back as soon as you have the SSP1 form will allow you to break through the DWP's internal red tape.

Here is why getting that form in July changes everything, and exactly how to handle it.

​Right now, your online application is sitting in a "pending" queue. In the DWP’s system, an advance claim without a verified SSP1 form is treated like an incomplete puzzle.

When you get that form at the start of July, it will clearly state: "SSP runs out on July 31st."

By calling them the moment you have it, you can tell the agent: "I am making an advance claim for New Style ESA. I now have my SSP1 form confirming my sick pay ends on July 31st. I need to upload this and arrange my initial appointment so my claim can be finalized before that date.

Sorry for delay in in hospital ATM

muswellblue

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82011957#Comment_82011957

thanks for your help. Hope everything goes ok in hospital.

TimeLord1

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82011967#Comment_82011967

Thanks, I'm used to it just not the erratic WiFi 😒