ESA Backlog

meridian wrote: I applied for means tested ESA on 20th June 2013 having run out of contribution based ESA. I'm still waiting for a decision more than four months on. I have filled in every form and supplied all information asked for, and still nothing. Called them yet again today having sent yet another form {they say they didn't receive the last on} but nothing comes up on their computer. I sent the latest form by recorded next day delivery on 24th October - I have reached a stage of giving up - cant pay bills, rent , food. I have no money at all. There must be others like me let alone the people with terminal illnesses. What can we do?

meridian wrote: I am still waiting for my means tested ESA - Last payment of contribution based ESA was in June. I was told that someone would have to visit my house as I still live in the same property as my ex-partner. I was told I would receive a phone call but was sent a letter telling me to go into the jobcentre for meeting with a compliance officer. I phoned her and was told that they don't do home visits.

She told me that because both of our names are on the tenancy agreement that means that we are living as a couple and therefore I was not entitled to benefit even though I showed her proof that I had applied to move elsewhere and that he was also looking for alternative accommodation. She would not listen to anything I tried to tell her and decided that she wanted to see both of us the following week.

My ex-partner will not attend a meeting at the jobcentre (I told her this) and I believe that her insistence on this makes my situation more difficult. I am already verbally abused by him and have problems now getting access to food other than cereal.

I have also been told over the phone by the DWP that if I move out now I will get my benefit immediately but this will not be back paid to June (when I first applied). I don't have the money to move out - I am stuck here.