Esa50 received - in hospital

worrywart wrote: Hi - I've been in esa 4 years ( support). I've had an esa 50 to complete but I am currently an inpatient. My surgery of 5/3 went wrong and I am likely to be here a while, they are unsure of how things will pan out - it's watch and wait.
I don't know whether to proceed and fill the form in even though things could change or try and phone them and see what they say. Very difficult time as my future is uncertain - I am currently vein fed owing to bowel surgery complications.
What do you advise?

You cannot not complete the form as the DWP will close your claim if you do not return it.

I would start by contacting the DWP so that they are aware that you are in hospital, it's likely that the call centre staff will not be able to provide you with detailed advice, I would normally recommend escalating the issue to a manager but this requires a call back which may not be practical while you are in hospital.

Next you need to contact Maximus

www.chdauk.co.uk/contact-us

They also need to know that you are in hospital as they will be sending any invite to a face to face appointment to your home.

The hospital should have someone who deals with patient's benefits, it would be worth trying to speak to them.

Gordon