ESA50 Shenanigans

summertrain wrote:

Thanks bro58 for that. When I spoke to the DWP they said it was 3 weeks plus 1 week to return the form. She went on to explain that if I hadn't returned the form by the 20th November then a reminder would be sent out to say you had a week left. However, that's not what is says on the form, and you can't trust these people as it seems they are always trying to trip up the unwary.
Needless to say I will return the form by the 20th November to be on the safe side.

As for the address on the ESA50 return envelope being that of the JC+, they sometime do this, only at the top of the address on the prepaid envelope it has "ATOS Healthcare" and/or a P.O. Box number.

By the way, the return envelope has no mention of ATOS, the address on it is to the JC+ office dealing with the migration.Also, the EASA50 has FAO **** IBR Team 7 written on the top, so I will copy that on the pdf copy. What a right mularky!

That is strange st,

IBR = Incapacity Benefit Reassessment, Team 7, they have set teams up in different areas of the country.

The ESA50 return envelopes do generally mention ATOS in the address though. This is why it may be prudent to keep a copy of the envelope.

bro58

"Is it possible that this DWP IBR team could make an award based on the evidence supplied without involving ATOS?"

summertrain wrote:

"Is it possible that this DWP IBR team could make an award based on the evidence supplied without involving ATOS?"

No it is not possible, the DM's in the IBR Teams are not medically qualified.

ATOS are contracted by The DWP on behalf of The Secretary of State to carry out all medical services with respect to ESA.

Therefore, it will always be ATOS who make recommendations paying regards to your ESA50 and any other evidence, these recommendations are then sent to the DWP DM, who makes the decision.

bro58

I am a bit concerned about returning the ESA50 to the JC+ as I understood that these need to go to ATOS. The person I spoke to said that the JC+ when I questioned this said that they send it on to ATOS after they receive them.Of course I will send it in the envelope supplied, but I'm wondering whether I should send copies to ATOS or the DM as well.

I also understand that ESA50s sent to the DWP freepost addresses are in fact sent to a post office sorting centre, where the mail is opened and forwarded. So even if you send the forms by recorded or Special Delivery, when the tracking says its been received, it's been received at such places.


I have written to the JC+ concerned to complain about the misinformation given about the return date. I shall be very angry if I get a reminder a week before the 3 week deadline given on the letter. (20th November)

It seems to me that the DWP make it up as they go along.

summertrain wrote:

I am a bit concerned about returning the ESA50 to the JC+ as I understood that these need to go to ATOS. The person I spoke to said that the JC+ when I questioned this said that they send it on to ATOS after they receive them.Of course I will send it in the envelope supplied, but I'm wondering whether I should send copies to ATOS or the DM as well.

I also understand that ESA50s sent to the DWP freepost addresses are in fact sent to a post office sorting centre, where the mail is opened and forwarded. So even if you send the forms by recorded or Special Delivery, when the tracking says its been received, it's been received at such places.


I have written to the JC+ concerned to complain about the misinformation given about the return date. I shall be very angry if I get a reminder a week before the 3 week deadline given on the letter. (20th November)

It seems to me that the DWP make it up as they go along.

Hi st,

I can see that this is worrying you.

As a backup, you could send a "Shadow Copy" addressed to the ESA Decision Maker, IBR Team, at the address on your letter informing you that you were being migrated over to ESA, at the beginning of the process.

Make sure you include your NINO, DOB, etc, your postcode should ensure that it arrives at the correct department.

You may wish to include a covering letter explaining why you have sent this copy to the ESA DM.

Of course it is probable that if you also send the original copy of the ESA50 using the pre-paid envelope provided that it will arrive at ATOS.

It is hard to keep up with changes that the DWP/ATOS are continually implementing, ATOS may well be based in the same building or office as the IBR Team.

The only thing that you can do is comply with the information that you are given, and take all the actions that we have previously discussed.

You will then be able to show that you have taken all reasonable steps to ensure that your ESA50 was returned to ATOS by the deadline given.

bro58