ESA assessment phase

Hiya,

I applied for ESA in June, after I had to leave work due to a worsening of my disability (I have an autoimmune disorder called sarcoidosis).

I was given ESA assessment phase from 13th June 2014 - I understand it is 13 weeks - I know from the press and your emails that there is a huge backlog, so I know 15 weeks is probably nothing but Im financially drowning and the extra money once I get off assessment phase is much needed!

Im also waiting on a PIP medical assessment (I applied for PIP in May), but I know thats an even bigger delay!

My question is, when I eventually come off the assessment phase, whether WRAG or SG, do I get back paid for the delayed decision?

Also do you think theres anything I can do to hassle ATOS, speed things up - would it help if I called them daily???? So far Ive not done anything but Im worried Ive probably only got a couple of months before I hit crisis point.

KED wrote: Hiya,

I applied for ESA in June, after I had to leave work due to a worsening of my disability (I have an autoimmune disorder called sarcoidosis).

I was given ESA assessment phase from 13th June 2014 - I understand it is 13 weeks - I know from the press and your emails that there is a huge backlog, so I know 15 weeks is probably nothing but Im financially drowning and the extra money once I get off assessment phase is much needed!

Im also waiting on a PIP medical assessment (I applied for PIP in May), but I know thats an even bigger delay!

My question is, when I eventually come off the assessment phase, whether WRAG or SG, do I get back paid for the delayed decision?

Also do you think theres anything I can do to hassle ATOS, speed things up - would it help if I called them daily???? So far Ive not done anything but Im worried Ive probably only got a couple of months before I hit crisis point.

Hi K,

Yes, the ESA WCA is supposed to take place within 13 weeks.

However, unfortunately some ESA claimant have been in the Assessment Phase for a year or more due to the backlogs.

You could try e-mailing ATOS : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

To try and see whether you can move things along, informing them of your financial difficulties.

You could also write to the DWP at the address of the Benefits Office/Centre on your most recent ESA letter, informing them of the same. :

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

If there is still no movement on this you could contact your M.P. to complain :

Contacting your MP

None of the above guarantees expediting an assessment from ATOS and a subsequent decision from The DWP, but they are worth trying.

When you eventually undergo The ESA WCA, and receive a decision, if you are successful, in that you are placed into either The WRAG or SG, payments of the extra WRA or SG Component of ESA should be backdated to the start of week 14 of your claim. (circa 13/09/14)

Hope this helps.

bro58