Asking for more time - HELP!

Hi and thanks for any help. I requested an ESA claim pack and they managed to send it to an incorrect addres so it arrived just over a week late. I was quite ill over Christmas and so couldn't manage to complete the forms. The pack is due in next Monday, Jan 9th, but I haven't even been able to get a CAB appointment for help until this Friday, Jan 6th.
I rang today asking for an extension and was dealt with by a very, brusque young lady who stopped JUST short of being rude, but who managed to snap that I must write and inform them why the delay - although she perked up when telling me that there would be no gaurantee any reason would be acceptable.
Posted this afternoon there's little chance of my letter arriving before Thursday so how will I even know it's OK?
Isn't there a formal process by which I can get some sort of "permission" over the 'phone? And if no, why?
Any help apreciated as I'm starting to panic, thank you!

Tilli wrote:

Hi and thanks for any help. I requested an ESA claim pack and they managed to send it to an incorrect addres so it arrived just over a week late. I was quite ill over Christmas and so couldn't manage to complete the forms. The pack is due in next Monday, Jan 9th, but I haven't even been able to get a CAB appointment for help until this Friday, Jan 6th.
I rang today asking for an extension and was dealt with by a very, brusque young lady who stopped JUST short of being rude, but who managed to snap that I must write and inform them why the delay - although she perked up when telling me that there would be no gaurantee any reason would be acceptable.
Posted this afternoon there's little chance of my letter arriving before Thursday so how will I even know it's OK?
Isn't there a formal process by which I can get some sort of "permission" over the 'phone? And if no, why?
Any help apreciated as I'm starting to panic, thank you!

Hi Tilli

As you have an appointment with The CAB on Friday, they should be in a position to advise and help you. They are very used to dealing with the DWP.

I hope you kept a copy of the letter and if not already posted you could send Recorded Delivery, (sgned for) or Special Delivery (next day delivery). As the forms were sent to the wrong address, it wasn't your fault,which the CAB should point out to the DWP.

Hope all goes well for you.

Regards

Michael

?? Are you saying that the CAB will contact them on my behalf?

OK, guess I'll find out on Friday, thanks.