Advice needed on contribution based ESA WCA

I started claiming contribution based ESA last July when I split up with my husband. I filled in the WCA form and have been hoping to hear back ever since. I phoned them today and was told that they are currently deciding whether I need a telephone or face to face assessment but obviously face to face assessments are on hold at the moment. So I’m worried about what’s going to happen if it gets to over a year before a decision is made as ESA is only paid for a year unless you have been assessed and qualifying for it for longer. At the moment I am nOT working but if I was able to get a few hours work I wouldn’t be able to get a sick note would I? So then I would no longer qualify for ESA . I’m feeling rather trapped as I’m struggling to manage but dint seen able to do anything to improve my income without loosing the chance to stay on ESA or am I misunderstanding it?

Hi I just thought I would say that I finally have my assessment in feb my money will stop March if I’m not put in support group. I have chased this by calling DWP and getting the assessment number and contacting them directly. I also emailed them with new evidence and it was after I sent new evidence I got appt. worth a try maybe ?

Gary, thanks for your reply. Am I right in thinking I will get chucked off ESA if my assessment hadn’t been finished by the end of the 12 months and I won’t be able to get back on it again? Or are they extending the time given it’s their delay?