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ESA Decision
- vanilla01
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vanilla01 wrote: I finally had my CWA this week, after a 15mth wait. I have significantly deteriorated since I submitted the form and the medical went far better than expected. I just wondered how long I will wait for a decision... I know that it is likely to take a very long time. Thank you
Hi v01,
It may not be as long a wait as you fear !
There are still huge backlogs, however the long waiting periods seem to be in obtaining the WCA !
The Assessor will have sent the ESA85 Medical Report compiled at the face to face electronically to The DWP ESA DM.
I would give it 10-14 days then ring for an update if you haven't heard :
THE ESA PHONE NUMBER DWP : 0345 608 8545 Press Option 3 for ESA. (Open 8AM-6PM. Mon-Fri.)
"Fingers crossed", please let us know when you hear !

bro58
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- vanilla01
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- vanilla01
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I think I am still in shock and cannot thank your site enough for the invaluable information. Thank you!
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vanilla01 wrote: Just to let you know; after chasing a decision again today I was told my claim had been closed two months before I attended my medical, as "I had found full-time employment". Despite being too ill to work following a serious accident with a long term prognosis and severely limited mobility. I made a huge fuss and strongly requested that my claim be re-opened (as this was clearly incorrect and could be quite easily verified) and for my case to be escalated to a senior manager, for my CWA decision to be expedited. I made it clear I would be making a formal complaint. Within half an hour I received a call back, then an hour later received an e-mail from a Manager to confirm I had been placed in the support group and that the arrears owing would be paid "ASAP"
I think I am still in shock and cannot thank your site enough for the invaluable information. Thank you!
Hi v01,
Congratulations and well done on successfully challenging DWP/ESA !!!!

If this was a fresh claim for ESA, as it is not absolutely clear from your posts, any arrears owed due to being entitled to the extra Support Group (SG) Component addition should be backdated to the beginning of week 14 of your claim.
Even though you have an e-mail which you should print off and keep in a safe place, you should receive an ESA SG Decision Notice letter.
This will include a breakdown of your entitlement to ESA payments.
However, it will not tell you the recommended period of the SG award before reassessment. (The Prognosis)
Once you receive the letter you can request this information and any other documentation used in coming to the decision.
This might be helpful at your next re-assessment.
See : This Post.
Please return and let us know when you receive your SG Decision Notice !

bro58
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- vanilla01
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It took a weeks due to a prolonged flare ups to chase the award letter, which I did receive. I also enquired as to the length of the award and was advised the support group award was for 18 months. I recently applied for PIP, as I am now rarely able to go out and rely so heavily on my Husband for assistance for the most basic tasks. He had to complete the application form, as I cannot hold a pen for no more than a few words. I returned the form with almost 30 hospital reports to date, documenting the diagnosis and deterioration in my condition since my accident. I am writing, as yesterday I received an appointment for this Sunday....Just over a week after I returned my 'How your disability affects you form'!
I wondered if this was ever heard of or if I was just extremely lucky. Should I read anything into this? I had a pre-booked appointment with the GP, who is writing a letter documenting my complex condition and how it severely impairs my daily life (as I doubt they would of been able to request a report in the last week). I will take this along with two most recent letters from my consultant/clinical psychologist that arrived after the application was submitted. I have read your guides and know my pain and physical function (lack of) will be evident, but I am still very nervous. I would be grateful for your feedback. Many Thanks in advance.
* I have also submitted this under a new post (PIP appointment within one week??) in case anyone else is able to offer their similar experiences. I apologise if this causes additional work for the admins.
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