Sent off my incapacity benefit form in July 2016

ritzy wrote: I sent my completed form back in July 2016 and have heard nothing. I received a change in social security letter advising new esa rates (am currently in support group)
I rang them up to ascertain how long this award was for and he advised that he can see I submitted my form back in July and I would hear shortly.

Is this an inordinate amount of time for them to reply or is it quite common? My form was submitted 9 months ago

The DWP created a huge problem in the ESA assessment process a couple of years ago by pushing too many claimants through the system which led to considerable delays across the whole of the country. Most areas have recovered but there are some that are still suffering problems and we have seen this year a trend towards increased wait times, so the problem may be occurring again.

Your ESA will remain in payment at he current rate until a new Decision is made.

One thing you might want to do is prepare a letter of any changes in your conditions and of course your ability to complete the ESA activities since you completed the ESA50, you can take this to any face to face assessment that you have.

Gordon