Can't get DWP to tell me why they have turned down my ESA claim

I have been trying to find out why DWP have turned down my New Style ESA claim for three weeks and I can't get them to tell me. They didn't write to me so I have nothing on paper at all, the helpline say they can't see the info on my record, someone was supposed to call me back within three days and didn't. I am sure I am eligible as I have an unbroken NI record but I don't know what to do? I can't even challenge the decision if I don't have any paperwork. Any ideas what to do next?

Morning. I would phone up and play ignorant, and ask if they have reached a decision yet on your claim. If they say they haven’t received anything, show them proof of postage or ask them to send you a new form out. However, stress that you have phoned up already for a form, (they should have a note on their systems), and say that that should be your ‘start’ date, as you have actually returned the initial form.

The call centre have received my claim and all they can see on my record is that I was turned down because I didn't meet NI criteria. This doesn't make sense as I have an unbroken full NI record as a self employed person. I have checked this with HMRC. They can't tell me why I didn't get written to and they can't give me any more info about the specific criteria I didn't meet. They just keep telling me to wait for a callback from the new claims team, but I have now been waiting 10 days. It is so frustrating! Would a formal complaint make any difference, do you think?

Hi Aly,

I thiought I had replied before I believe it may be because you maybe opted to pay the lower class/ amount of NI? If you pay the lower amount it normally means you havn't paid enough stamp to cover ESA, even though you may have full years, it is the amount that is not enough. Hope that makes sense?

My brother did as self employed and he was in the same boat, I believe you need to have paid class 1 or 2 stamp but not 3 or 4 which you have the choice to do if self employed .

Good luck