SDA-ESA: My journey has begun

The next stage on my SDA-ESA journey began this morning when my carer helped me to the Post Office with my ESA 50 plus attachments for ATOS and a duplicate of the lot for the DM. Without my carer the migration process could not have reached this point. My body would simply not permit it. I wonder how many people cannot pursue a claim for a disability benefit because of their disability!

At the PO counter, the cost of guaranteed delivery by 1 pm tomorrow was slightly less than the kitchen scales suggested but still eye-watering. I was very much aware that there are many claimants who could not meet the cost. When I secured the original envelope to the bigger one it seemed so very small, causing me to glance again at the paper form. Its size and the flimsiness of the paper are surely inadequate for the majority of claimants. I guess most of us who can are paying extra for delivery.

Anyway, that’s another piece of track along the route that I hope will lead to the right ESA group. I don’t quite know how I feel right now. I’d like to think I’ll get a swift reply like Suzanne but there is so much variation. I’ll post any news. Meanwhile, all the best to my fellow travellers, Wildchild and her sister.

Mari W

As stated above, I sent my ESA 50 to ATOS yesterday, dispatching a duplicate to the DWP Decision Maker. Both sets of documents were sent Royal Mail next-day delivery. I’ve just checked on my RM website. My data has been delivered. Both envelopes landed in Wolverhampton and were signed for within a minute by the same person! I didn’t realise ATOS hung out in Wolverhampton. Stupidly, I forgot to scan the supplied envelope for my records but I’m sure it said Bootle as did the covering letter. Has anybody else had this experience?

Mari W

Hi MW,

Paying heed to Gordon's advice, as I have previously advised Wolverhampton is used to redistribute mail nationally.

ATOS, Bootle is a regional office :

Atos Origin Healthcare Bootle MSC.

St Martins House
Stanley Precinct
Bootle
Merseyside
L69 8BN
0151 934 6070

So it will be redirected to the above.

It used to be ATOS, Bootle, via Jupiter Drive, Chester.

You have now fulfilled your obligation in ensuring that the ESA50 has been returned to the address provided within the deadline.

You can of course contact ATOS, as suggested by Gordon, for further peace of mind.

bro58