ESA

Hello Gordon. Thank you for your reply. ESA have said my entitlement will stop because I filled in UC50 form, so a UC problem! I did manage to speak to UC yesterday and after half hour of trying to get an answer, I was told my basic UC payment will be reinstated. At present, this is taken off due to ESA being paid. I'm pretty sure it will all go terribly wrong. Unfortunately, I don't think these people know what's going on, perhaps due to the ever changing rules of UC. By the way, I was always under the impression that UC50 was the same as ESA50, obviously wrong!

Thank you once again Gordon. When it comes to November, I'll let you know what happens. UC told me yesterday I'm definitely in SG until April next year which is when I'll be called for reassessment. ESA have told me verbally and in writing my ESA will stop in November. Who's right? I don't know and I don't know who to ask!

My letter says from November 2017 to November 2018, quoting I am only allowed 365 days contribution based ESA. However, a few paragraphs down it clearly says 'unless you are in the support group'. I have argued this until I'm blue in the face. They still insist UC have to pay me. I have now got my MP asking Esther McVey for clarity. I'm hoping the Secretary of State for DWP may know the answer.

Just an update. Gordon you were 100% right. After taking this to Esther McVey and my local MP, I finally received a phonecall from the DWP complaints department. They said an error had been made and indeed, I will remain on ESA until I am no longer in the support group. The moral of this story, a) listen to Gordon, he knows more than DWP staff. b) use your local MP, they do help.
Thank you Gordon, hopefully now I am sorted!