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ESA50 request for time extension refused, told it will be fine if sent late...

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1 year 4 months ago #281944 by ostia
Hello all
I have Post Viral ME and other complex neurological issues and have been on ESA for about 8 years, in the Support Group.
I received a review form a few weeks ago and am struggling to get it done with enough detail. I called the ESA customer relations line today (got through quite quickly at 4pmish) and asked for a 2 week extention as I had last time in 2019. I was told they don't give extensions any more but that due to my conditions and previous awards it would be fine to just send it in late and my benefit would not be stopped.( I had a look at acceptance of late forms somewhere and the conditions are very tight...bereavement etc, not just feeling unwell and struggling with the form.)
I felt uneasy about the DWP advice but the staff member was insistent. I said I would like to put something in writing to the dwp if it was late, so he gave me the customer service email address.
I still feel uneasy about this as it will go to their general customer email and I may have no proof that it has arrived in the correct inbox and department. Perhaps I should send a "signed for "letter to make sure that they know I am running late and trying to get it done?
Given past experience with the DWP breaking their own guidelines I just don't feel reassured by the casual attitude of the call service advisor...
Any thoughts please?
Ostia

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1 year 4 months ago #281968 by BIS
Hi Ostia

I understand your feelings. I would send an email, and I would send a letter by recorded delivery confirming the time, date and conversation that you held with the call handler. (Don't forget to keep a copy for yourself)

BIS

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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1 year 4 months ago #282012 by Misty
Oh heck, i've got the same problem, only with anxiety & depression. My daughter is literally on the phone (45 minutes & counting!!) asking for the extension. Doesn't look like I'll get it then. I'll update when I hear anything.

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1 year 4 months ago #282015 by Misty
Hi,
just to let you know my daughter got a 2 week extension for me. In fact the person asked her how long I wanted! She said he was lovely as well, saying it was totally understandable how i needed more time! Shame he wasn't as assessor. She phoned the number on the top of the ESA50 form just in case it's a different number to the one you phoned?
The following user(s) said Thank You: BIS

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