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How long for ESA decision

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9 years 8 months ago #139509 by chris53
How long for ESA decision was created by chris53
I have been in the support group of ESA for almost two years. I have recently had a small pension pay out. The lump sum was just under £15000. I spent £9000 to put towards a small motor home, the rest being paid by my son. I then put £5000 in an ISA. I immediately got in touch with ESA and gave them all of the details. I was then sent a questionnaire re capital, ie where did the money come from, what has it been spent on, why has it been spent etc. I know we are allowed £6000 in savings without it affecting benefits, so I knew I would have some of the ESA stopped. What has actually happened is, they have suspended the lot! This includes housing benefit and council tax relief. I have called twice to ask if a decision has been made and both times been told it's with the decision makers. The only way I knew this had been stopped in the first place was because my council sent me a letter re rent arrears, nothing at all from DWP!! In my estimations I believe taking the small weekly pension and money they will deduct because (how dare I) I spent some of the lump sum, I will still be entitled to a small amount of ESA. I am now having to pay my rent etc from the small amount of money that should be there to make my retirement a little easier. My question is simply... Does anyone know how long the decision makers are likely to take? I don't have much faith in them as they 'misplaced' the ATOS information that moved me from WRAG to support group for over 18months.

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9 years 8 months ago #139527 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic How long for ESA decision
Chris

I am afraid there is no required timescale for the DWP to make a Decision on this.

You can try contacting your MP, they may be able to get an early Decision.

Contacting your MP

You may be entitled to a Hardship Payment as your ESA is suspended, you'll need to contact your local JC+ office about this, not the DWP office that normally deals with your claim.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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9 years 8 months ago #139537 by chris53
Replied by chris53 on topic How long for ESA decision
Thankyou. I've had to borrow money to pay my rent. That is my biggest concern. Would you know roughly what the time scale has been of late?

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9 years 8 months ago #139547 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic How long for ESA decision

chris wrote: Thankyou. I've had to borrow money to pay my rent. That is my biggest concern. Would you know roughly what the time scale has been of late?


We don't see this kind of problem regularly on the forum so it's impossible to give you an average period.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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