ESA Medical

Sent my ESA form off, it was received on 4th Oct 2013. I havn't heard anything except that it is the hand of the medics. How long does it take to make a decision? Is this now the norm? Meanwhile I am living (29 weeks) on the basic ESA benefit, almost impossible. Thank god for friends and family. Any ideas what to do next.

Hi Briony,

We are getting a lot of posts about this at the moment. DWP and ATOS both have huge backlogs and some claimants are waiting many months to hear anything after submitting their ESA50.

I'm afraid the only thing we can suggest is that you contact your MP, in some cases they have been able to get things speeded up for the claimant.

Contacting your MP

Hi Briony

I sent my form off at the beginning of May last year, and got a letter in December asking me to attend an assessment in January. I didn't go to that assessment and went to one in February. I received a letter three weeks later, telling me that I have been awarded ESA, (contributions based) and placed in the Work Related Activity Group.

I am lucky that I have a partner, so am not in dire straits financially at the moment. I really feel for you and others like you who are living on a pittance, and can only imagine the terrible stress this places on people. I really hope that you are assessed soon, and are successful in getting the benefit. Sorry I can't be of more help.

Hi all
A friend sent off his ESA50 in May13, just had a letter to attend a f2f at the end of March
CM