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ESA50 for 1st time in 9 years

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1 year 4 months ago #282132 by havana
ESA50 for 1st time in 9 years was created by havana
Hi

I've been sent an esa50 form to complete and I don't know why I've suddenly received it. I've been claiming ESA for 9 years and never been asked to fill one in before.

Could this be a mistake and I don't have to fill it in? Or is there a reason for it?

My combination of physical and mental health conditions mean I am finding it extremely hard to complete which is exacerbated by the sudden loss of my carers, due to an admin error by my local council. Not making the deadline is now making me iller...I'm in a vicious circle. I have no family or friends for back-up if they cancel my benefits which is frightening me.

I'm not going to make the deadline they have set and have emailed to tell them as I tried ringing but wasn't well enough to cope with the barrage of questions and options by the automated service. They sent an automated response but I have no idea if it's gone to the right person. Should I do anything else? How much longer would I be allowed to complete it?

Thank you for any help or advice you can give me.

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1 year 4 months ago #282149 by BIS
Replied by BIS on topic ESA50 for 1st time in 9 years
Hi Havana

It is not a mistake that you have received the form. ESA is normally reviewed after one, two or three years except for the very small amount of people who it has been agreed that they should not be reviewed (and that will be for medical reasons).

Now a lot of people like yourself have not received a form for years, and the DWP has acknowledged that they have a backlog. This was made worse by the pandemic.

Now we are beginning to hear from people who have not received a form that they have suddenly been sent one. You certainly would be unwise to ignore the form; if so, you could find your benefit cancelled. I can't tell you how much longer you will be given to complete the form. This week we heard from one member who was given a two-week extension and one person who was refused an extension. It may be too much for you, but the problem with sending an email is you have no idea where it has gone. If you can, you should ring and ask for an extension.

BIS

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

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1 year 4 months ago #282154 by micksville
Replied by micksville on topic ESA50 for 1st time in 9 years
I've been in a similar position in that I haven't received an ESA50 for 10 years. It usually gets deferred for 2 years each time it's next up for review. You say you're hearing from more people that they're suddenly being sent ESA 50 ?
I was due a review in early June this year but when I called to enquire was told it's been deferred again till June 2025. I have always made a call to ESA around the time I know my review should ordinarily be due, which has always been a 2 year review.
I don't know where in the country Havana lives, I'm in North West England but this makes me wonder if the backlogs, if that is indeed the reason for constant deferrals, are a geographical lottery as it were. Then again. I have a friend in this region who has undergone a few such reviews and had to fill forms in attend medicals etc even appeals which suggests perhaps it isn't a geographical thing or that the Health Professionals are in short supply in this region.
I have often wondered if the DWP merely cherry pick certain kinds of cases or if sometimes it's down to a claimants age. For example I will be only a few months off retirement age when my next review is due in 2025. They may send me a form then or might decide extending it again so I stay on ESA until retirement. Who knows?
Only advice I can give is to keep up to date on here and other websites as to what's currently happening with DWP in general and always have your up to date and historical medical evidence and supporting letters/submissions ready to send in case the ESA 50 does hit your doormat. That way you're current and up to speed to send as much info as possible if you're called to do so.
The following user(s) said Thank You: BIS

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1 year 4 months ago #282175 by BIS
Replied by BIS on topic ESA50 for 1st time in 9 years
Hi micksville

Thanks for telling us about your experience. Yes, members have reported that they have suddenly been sent form ESA50, and several of them are a year off retirement age.

BIS

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

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1 year 4 months ago #282190 by havana
Replied by havana on topic ESA50 for 1st time in 9 years
Thank you, that's very helpful. I will ask my support worker to ring for me on wednesday as I'm unable to do this which is why i emailed.

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