time limit

Hello, I received my form (eventually) from
DWP stating that they had looked at my request for support group (from wrag), but have not changed their minds. only took 10 months. So I am now in the process of appealing (asking for oral hearing), For this I have exactly 4 weeks.
However yesterday I received the newer ESA50 which I also have to complete within 4 weeks, I am sure that I will not be able to complete both of these within the 4 week period. I would really appreciate your advice, re: can I ask for an extension? I think I know the answer, I am just hoping I am wrong. Thank you

rapheal wrote:

Hello, I received my form (eventually) from
DWP stating that they had looked at my request for support group (from wrag), but have not changed their minds. only took 10 months. So I am now in the process of appealing (asking for oral hearing), For this I have exactly 4 weeks.
However yesterday I received the newer ESA50 which I also have to complete within 4 weeks, I am sure that I will not be able to complete both of these within the 4 week period. I would really appreciate your advice, re: can I ask for an extension? I think I know the answer, I am just hoping I am wrong. Thank you

Hi,

Sadly the imposed time limits are pretty strict. Delaying either form may result in either losing your right of appeal and/or your ongoing claim for ESA being closed down by the DWP.

Re the appeal request (GL24) form, you can put brief details down of why you believe the decision is wrong and say you will submit further evidence later - the important thing is to get the GL24 form returned in time.

Thus once that is done you have a bit of a breathing space during which to get the new ESA50 completed and sent in before collecting further evidence for your appeal. Again late receipt of the ESA50 form could result in loss of benefit.

If possible you could try to seek help from such as a CAB/Welfare Rights as a matter of urgency (don't leave it and think about doing it later) who maybe able to help both with your ESA50 and appeal form concurrently. The following gives info of where such help maybe obtained:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/images/image/samples/getting_help.pdf

Pete

Thanks Pete, I will do as you have suggested, unfortunately, the CAB where I live is completely choc a block, as is the welfare advice centre. Anyway I appreciate your help, and will enlist the help of a very good friend, to do the writing, and plod on.