New Style ESA Assessment

Good morning,
Just to update you with a summary of my New Style ESA telephone assessment that took place on Friday morning 28/10/22.

Initially, the time of my telephone assessment was between 09.00 and 12.00. However, I was contacted on Thursday afternoon to establish if I could make myself available between 08.00 and 08.15 on Friday morning, which I agreed to.

I was called at 08.15 and the assessment lasted 30 minutes.

The female representative was very good. She focused on aspects of my disabilities which, in her words, would contribute to the best possible outcome for me.

After 30 minutes of questioning, she advised that she had enough evidence to complete her report ready to submit to DWP.

I questioned whether other aspects of my disabilities warranted further investigation. She advised that my Health Questionnaire was detailed and presented enough information to contribute to the Report and subsequent decision by DWP. In addition, time constraints prohibited discussing each individual one.

She advised that I would hear from DWP within 5 to 6 weeks.

I appreciate that it is difficult to judge such assessments. Compared to the challenging experiences of other claimants, mine was certainly stress free and relatively straightforward.

However, I do expect to be placed in the Support Group of New Style ESA.

I will inform you of the outcome.

With many thanks for your support and in appreciation for all that you do for Welfare Claimants.

Thanks BIS!
I received a significant amount of money into my Bank Account on Friday morning, which is obviously back pay for my New Style ESA claim.

It would appear that this sum of money reflects the fact that I have been placed in the Support Group.

However, I have not yet received the formal letter from DWP yet to allow me to establish a breakdown of my ESA payment.

DWP are aware of the fact that I am in receipt of an Occupational Pension but I feel that the backdated payment is too much.

I have calculated what I consider to be my weekly payment, using the £85 per week disregard and 50% deduction relating to Occupational Pensions, but cannot make out how they have arrived at their figure.

Any advice?

I will probably need to contact DWP.

Many thanks!

Hi BIS,
I hope that my reference to a 'significant' amount of money did not cause offence to anyone?

That was certainly not my intention!

Anyway, I received the letter from DWP this morning and all is good and correct.

No need for any speculation!

Good luck to everyone!