ESA50 (how long before assessment)?

Hi,

I sent my ESA50 by special delivery on 7/11 (for 8/11 deadline). How many weeks does it usually take before finding out about an assessment?

With my ESA50 form I included a supporting letter from my specialist. My specialist advised me to request a home visit on the form stating that she will send a supporting letter if needed. I'm not sure whether this will cause an extended delay?

Does it matter that I never received the document that you are supposed to be sent (to check) are making the initial claim back in Sept? This has been flagged up (when I needed to call ESA) and I was told that it didn't matter. I'm currently receiving IR and Contribution based ESA. I was expecting to be asked to send bank statements etc. Or does that happen after the work assessment has been completed?

Many thanks,
Wendy

Hi Gordon,

Thank you for taking the time to reply - it is very much appreciated.

Yes I did mean the ESA1 form - thank you for clarifying.

Re: I'm currently receiving IR and Contribution based ESA. I was expecting to be asked to send bank statements etc. Or does that happen after the work assessment has been completed?

I've just come across 'ESA timetable' post where somebody else has had to chase Maximus too (their ESA50 form was sent much earlier than mine) and they are still waiting to hear. I will chase Maximus for an update. Thank you very much for the link.

Thanks again,
Wendy

Hi,

I received a letter from DWP on 31/12 (dated 23/12) confirming that I have been placed in the ESA support group. This has been the only communication since sending the ESA50 form on 7/11. I didn't have a face to face assessment. I did send a supporting letter from my Specialist and a copy of the PIP assessor's report with my ESA50 form.

Having not had a face to face will an equivalent ESA report have been completed? If so, can I request a copy?

What happens next? I've never had to claim ESA before. Will I still need to send 'not fit for work' notes from my GP? Will I be requested to have a face to face at a later date?

Many thanks,
Wendy

Hi Gordon,

Thank you for your reply.

I did as you suggested and requested a copy of the ESA85A and asked if they could tell me when my claim would be reassessed - they said that I would be reassessed in 18 months but that would be a minimum of 18 months.

When I received the ESA85A it states "I advise that work could be considered within 18 months". Does that mean that it is likely that I will be reassessed within 18 months (despite what what said by DWP office)??

Having never been through this process before thought it best to ask.

Many thanks,
Wendy