The current long delays suffered by ESA claimant's/recipients, whilst undergoing assessment/reassessment are probably down to the fact that ATOS are suffering a shortage of available HCP's and have recently had to put their HCP's through a "Retraining" programme due to inferior quality reports found as the result of audits.
Waiting that long for a new claim is clearly unacceptable and shows how much of a mess the DWP and Atos are in. However if you are already on ESA and are receiving the same payment I would try (easier said than done I know) not to worry too much. There is no harm in phoning for a progress report and to see if they are actually planning on sending you to a medical. But as long as you are receiving payments that is the main thing. My sympathies to those who are not.
citymike wrote: Hi I Know someone who made a new claim for ESA In May and has still not heard anything. CM
Another potential reason for the delay might be that the DWP have asked for further medical evidence from a GP or specialist and are waiting to for that report.
Last edit: 11 years 5 months ago by Gordon. Reason: corrected quote
