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Assessment phase running out advice

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4 years 2 months ago #255631 by Valoxi
Assessment phase running out advice was created by Valoxi
Hi after looking through forum and FAQ still can't find advice I need so here's my Question.
Im Currently on New Style ESA on assessment phase rate I'm still waiting for a decision on my case
After nearly a year I have just had a letter stating that Assessment phase cannot be paid for longer than 12 months, I have filled out all the forms sent in pages and pages of medical letters and evidence from specialist's and GPs and have had a telephone call assessment
After speaking to them today they are still saying i need a F2F appointment even though they are currently suspended and also having sent in a letter from GP saying I should be exempt under the Special Circumstances clause as the stress and Fear will Effect my mental Health
I'm now owed over £2000 in back money should I be put in Support group. I'm in a catch 22 position now due to them not deciding my case my question is... what happens after 12 months of waiting for a decision will my money stop ? I sent in all information requested and jumped through all the hoops in time when Req. They have just not decided and now time is running out, 2 weeks left to the 12 month mark please advise.

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4 years 2 months ago #255654 by Gary
Replied by Gary on topic Assessment phase running out advice
Hi RW

Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ

My full name is showing, how can I stop it?

You are not alone, I have lost count the number of enquiries we have had this week from members in the same predicament as yourself.

In normal times you'll get a letter 1 to 2 months after you've sent your questionnaire back but unfortunately we are not living in normal times. There is a backlog, the last I heard from DWP was that they are doing the assessments in date order.

If you want to try and move you assessment up the chain you could ask your MP for help. Unfortunately some MP's are more pro-active than others, I would copy in Thérèse Coffey Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Gary

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

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4 years 2 months ago #255689 by bob.murison
Replied by bob.murison on topic Assessment phase running out advice
Hi

I am Benefits Advisor at CAB and I am now coming accross delays in New Style Contribution based ESA Work Capability Assessments due to Covid lockdown

Clients awards are running out after a year before completion of their WCA by external assessor

1. Due to external assessor need to wait carry out Face to face asessment on advice of GP
2. After telephone assessment external assessor neede to do face to face assessment

after contacting local JC got following response

I have been advised that the issue with face-to-face work capability assessments is one that DWP is still considering and that there is no resolution as yet.

Raised this with local MP's to take up directly with Thérèse Coffey Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions. - suggest you do same

Benefits and Representation
CAB

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4 years 2 months ago #255694 by Gary
Replied by Gary on topic Assessment phase running out advice
Hi bob.murison

We are coming across quite a few of these, and as you have stated below we are telling members to contact their MP's and copy in Thérèse Coffey. This issue is really causing members great stress and affecting their wellbeing through no fault of their own.

Thanks BM for the information, hope you raised it as a social policy issue.

Gary

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

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