Hi Stephen,
All ESA awards, unlike DLA/PIP, are indefinite - although subject to periodic review. The date for reassessment is entered on the computer records but not routinely communicated to the claimant unless they ask for it.
The DWP call centre workers are generally poorly trained. However, rather than saying 'I don't know' they tend to say what they think might be the case - hence claimants are frequently given false and misleading information!
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems