Can ESA still be backdated.

I recently found out that I have been placed in the support group for ESA, I am very relieved about this however both times I have phoned the benefit office they have been very vague with me. Do you have any advice where I go from here? Can they still backdate a claim? How do I find out how long I am entitled to ESA. The only paperwork I have received states how much is going into my bank but with no other details. Surely they have to give me more details?

Any help/advice will be much appreciated.

Hi Ali and Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work #


ESA is an indefinite award that has no actual end-date. However, a reassessment date will have been entered on your computer record and you can find it out easily by phoning DWP and asking for the 'prognosis'.

As far as backdating is concerned, I am not sure exactly what you are asking.

An ESA claim can be backdated by up to 3 months if the claimant can show that s/he was not working and suffering from their problems at that time. This would be done very early in the claim.

In a new claim, once a decision has been made any extra money will be backdated to the first day of the 14th week of the claim. This will be done automatically by DWP.

If I have not answered your question, or you have further questions/comments about your ESA, please reply to this message and we will do our best to help. You will find it easily if you bookmark/favourite it on your web browser now

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Thanks very much for the prompt reply. In the past I have always has backdated payments but this time there is no mention. I suffer from anxiety and find phone calls very stressful so I guess I was looking for a way to find these answers without having to go through that. I have no information on when my claim was put in and tbh I was to ill to remember. I'm feeling at the moment that I should just be greatful for the decision as it stands.