New Style ESA Credits

Hi David,

I phoned the DWP earlier in the week to ask for a copy of my assesment report (ESA845 they call it) and that came 23/7/26. I also called assessment line to request my audio copy and that hasn't arrived yet.

I had some major inaccuracies in my report and I think the assessor may have got my case mixed up with someone else. However I wasn't comfortable being silent on it and benefiting on their mistake.The medical report recommended the award LCW and LCWRA. When I phoned I was advised to write to DWP decision maker and the call handler said you do no you've been awarded don't you? I responded I haven't been officially notified in writing. He was kind enough to say it's on the system. ( Can he see DWP case files!?! Possibly). Well next I phoned DWP to let them know that I agree with the recommendation of Lcw and Lcwra I'm not putting in for mandatory consideration, however I will be sending in a letter of inaccuracies and the accurate information it should be. I asked for a note to go on record for the decision maker on my case. The agent wanted an example and I told her it says I have carers in twice a day when I live independently and do all the things the carers supposedly do. The agent went away to speak to someone and came back and advised to write in. I explained my audio copy hasn't arrived however notifying now on my recollection of what I recall.

It could be risky and change my award however honesty is the best policy however as I see it. If it was something minor that would be different scenario. If another person is affected by this mistake and doesn't get the points and award they should, that's not fair. Also I'm not happy for these inaccuracies to be on my record and remain it could affect my other existing benefit of PIP and be picked up in future in reviews/random audits etc.

Also to say using your Guide for ESA for the first time was a big help with the application form, thank you all for that.

I'll keep you posted.
Jane

Hi David,

I did include your recommendations already and posted it 1st class signed for today.

I also included the date and name of the agent I spoke to on the 24/7/26 requesting a note on my file of my impending letter to follow. Within that call I said I agree with the outcome of being in the support group, this is not a mandatory consideration, however errors made in my ESA85 report assessment I'm the accurate information to correct my files, and not to delay the process.

I don't no yet what rate I qualify for on LCWRA.

I did receive today 27/7/26 a DWP text to confirm they have received my assessment medical report ( Igenus told me it was logged in the DWP system on the 20/7/26) and I don't need to do anything further.
My letter today will take approx 7 days to be scanned into the system and sent to the decision maker.

I will keep you updated
Jane

Hi BIS,
My progress update. I received this morning 3/8/26 a DWP letter. I was rather confused by it as I never applied for income. It said they couldn't award me ESA as I hadn't paid enough NI/have credits for *23 and 24 tax year end but they may give me credits. I spoke with a very helpful man who said don't worry about that letter another letter went out to me dated 30/7/26. ( Why don't they just text/phone me ). He said I'm a 100% have a active claim which has been just finalised and I'm in the support group and will build up no credits. My next medical review will be January 2028. He then said they did an analysis on 26/7/26 on my occupational pension which outcome is the letter I got today. It's all very discombobulating and he agreed their letters are not the best. Anyway he basically said my occupational health pension and the threshold above £85 which it's discounted £1 above by half meant I had no income left . However because I'm in the support group I will get credits , don't have to send in any further fit notes in future .

I just need to check HMRC that my tax code is correct separately as I've noticed it changed a few times in my one year application claim.

I will update when I receive the formal letter. No rate was mentioned and I didn't remember to ask when I rang. Hopefully that will be in the next letter and award details.

Thanks very much
I feel like getting a bottle of prosecco on standby.

Ps. My letter to DWP on the inaccuracies in my ESA medical assessment report. I'm unsure if it's reached decision maker and didn't want to ask an put a spanner in the works. However I have royal mail signature of the 28/7/26 and I did phone and tell them the essence of my letter on the 23/7/26