Ending an ESA claim

I am on ESA WRAG but wish to end my claim. I will shortly be recieving a scholarship to undertake PhD studies in another country, although I will be based in the UK. My experience over the years warns me to give DWP as little information as possible but to give it by registered mail.

How best do I go about it? Is there a specific form or can I just write a letter to my DWP office? Must I give explanation or just say ‘Please close my claim to ESA’? Should I leave it to the last minute and write ‘as of today’ or can I send it early and specify a date in two weeks time. Are there any other factors to consider?

Thank you, Gordon.

I am unlikely to change my mind or have difficulty within the first 12 weeks, but just to set my mind at rest, if my condition means I cant continue with my studies in 1, 2 or 3 years time:

I understand that if the DWP refuses a claim for ESA, or an appeal fails, one loses eligibility for subsequent claims (unless one’s condition is different or significantly worse). However if one fails to return an ESA50 or fails to attend a medical assessment one does not lose eligibility for subsequent claims.

If, as I intend, I close my claim voluntarily with no explanation, would my previous receipt of ESA impact on any subsequent claim years from now? Or would it just be a new claim?

Thank you. I managed to get my Housing Benefits and Council Tax Support stopped, but despite a Special Delivery letter to my DWP office asking that my ESA claim end on 12 February, and a similar hand delivered letter to my work coach at the local JobcentrePlus, the DWP continue to deposit ESA payments into my account!!

I have written another letter, I am currently on the other side of the world until May and I have no access to a phone line to call them ... any advice? What can I do to make it stop, and how do I repay the overpayment?