ESA50 advice please

Shemarie wrote: Help please, I'm panicking. Health assessment Advisory Service letter just came through the door:

Heading: We need your questionnaire urgently. The rest seems to be generic:
On 29 Feb we sent you a questionnaire..which gives you the chance to tell us.. Please fill in by 31 March, if you are unable let us know before 31 March (the deadline).

Is this generic? Have other people had them? Please help. I was intending to return it after bank holiday by guaranteed next day. Scared.

Hi Sm

Yes, it's a generic reminder, so don't worry !

You can receive these letters even after you have returned an ESA50 early.

Just make sure that you post your ESA50 to arrive back by close of business on the deadline date initially provided.

bro58

Thank you so much, Bro58. I'm at the stage where any communication from these people just sends me into a tailspin. Reassurance very much appreciated!

I don't know how to say this. I'm sick to the stomach. I have managed to overshoot my 31 March deadline. I'll do my best to cut a long story as short as possible.

I was basically so wound up about missing the deadline that I let Royal Mail sell me their Sameday guaranteed courier service as the only 100% foolproof option. I got quotes from them repeatedly (there are big variations in cost depending on the time of the collection). I robbed Peter to pay Paul, etc., deciding it was the safest bet.

Called Royal Mail at 8am on 31 March, as they had advised, to confirm the collection. I was told that actually, it's a non-geographical post code, which the courier can't deliver to. I called JC+ who referred me to ATOS. Called ATOS for a geographical post code to ensure a guaranteed delivery within the deadline.

I spoke to a lady with a Geordie (I think) accent, who told me it doesn't work like that but not to worry. Just get it in the regular post. She reassured me over and over that it wouldn't affect my benefits, that worst case scenario it would just automatically move to the next stage in the process (doctor). She was very sympathetic and assured me repeatedly there would be no problem.

I called back to check with a different agent, again Geordie/North Eastern, who told me exactly the same. I opened the envelope and explained this on page 2 of the ESA 50 and sent it on 1 April by next day 'guaranteed'. Result? It was signed for at 6.30 this morning.

Called ATOS again at 8am this morning- this time a South African lady- who told me she couldn't comment and said the only thing I could do was wait.,

My payment would normally go in tomorrow, but I'm too scared to look. I cannot believe I have managed this. I got so panicked about not missing the deadline that I've done exactly that. I don't know what to think, do or say. It's a hopeless scenario. Is there any option available to me now, or is this the end of it? Please advise.

Shemarie wrote: I don't know how to say this. I'm sick to the stomach. I have managed to overshoot my 31 March deadline. I'll do my best to cut a long story as short as possible.

I was basically so wound up about missing the deadline that I let Royal Mail sell me their Sameday guaranteed courier service as the only 100% foolproof option. I got quotes from them repeatedly (there are big variations in cost depending on the time of the collection). I robbed Peter to pay Paul, etc., deciding it was the safest bet.

Called Royal Mail at 8am on 31 March, as they had advised, to confirm the collection. I was told that actually, it's a non-geographical post code, which the courier can't deliver to. I called JC+ who referred me to ATOS. Called ATOS for a geographical post code to ensure a guaranteed delivery within the deadline.

I spoke to a lady with a Geordie (I think) accent, who told me it doesn't work like that but not to worry. Just get it in the regular post. She reassured me over and over that it wouldn't affect my benefits, that worst case scenario it would just automatically move to the next stage in the process (doctor). She was very sympathetic and assured me repeatedly there would be no problem.

I called back to check with a different agent, again Geordie/North Eastern, who told me exactly the same. I opened the envelope and explained this on page 2 of the ESA 50 and sent it on 1 April by next day 'guaranteed'. Result? It was signed for at 6.30 this morning.

Called ATOS again at 8am this morning- this time a South African lady- who told me she couldn't comment and said the only thing I could do was wait.,

My payment would normally go in tomorrow, but I'm too scared to look. I cannot believe I have managed this. I got so panicked about not missing the deadline that I've done exactly that. I don't know what to think, do or say. It's a hopeless scenario. Is there any option available to me now, or is this the end of it? Please advise.

Hi Sm,

I can see that you are in a state of panic, and I gather that is why you are speaking of ATOS when it is : The Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) (aka HAAS) (Maximus) who took over the ESA WCA Contract from ATOS on 02/03/15 who will have received your ESA50 ?

You will have to wait and see, and you could continue to contact Maximus for updates.

Please keep us updated when you hear anything !

bro58

Hi Bro 58

It was signed for this morning, 04 April at 6.30 am, posted on the morning of 01 April by next day guaranteed (so Royal Mail next day guaranteed wasn't guaranteed either) at Wembley ASC which is actually in Wolverhampton WV98 1SJ. No wonder I'm confused. When I very first gave the postcode to Royal Mail on 23 March for the initial courier service quote, they read the full address back to me as being ATOS.

The whole sorry saga probably has the potential for comedy gold. I just can't face the punchline.

Yes, I'll keep updating, and thanks again for your input throughout. It really is appreciated.

Shemarie wrote: Hi Bro 58

It was signed for this morning, 04 April at 6.30 am, posted on the morning of 01 April by next day guaranteed (so Royal Mail next day guaranteed wasn't guaranteed either) at Wembley ASC which is actually in Wolverhampton WV98 1SJ. No wonder I'm confused. When I very first gave the postcode to Royal Mail on 23 March for the initial courier service quote, they read the full address back to me as being ATOS.

The whole sorry saga probably has the potential for comedy gold. I just can't face the punchline.

Yes, I'll keep updating, and thanks again for your input throughout. It really is appreciated.

Hi Sm,

Nearly all national DWP related mail goes via Wolverhampton !!

See : This Topic

Maximus have taken over most of ATOS's former premises as well as using a lot of ex-ATOS staff !!

bro58