Transfer from Contributory to Income-related ESA.

Dear all,

I would be interested to know if anyone else is awaiting transfer from Contributory to Income realated ESA due to the new time-limiting rule.
I have been without benefit since the end of April, although I am entitled to full income related amount, have not had any joy with being transferred, and living off very limited savings while I wait.
I am reluctant to write to my MP due to the extra stress, and I'm not sure if it's worth it?

Any suggestions/ personal experience or support would be appreciated.

(have had no joy finding anything out from DWP apart from they got my ESA3 8 weeks ago!!)

Flower wrote:

Dear all,

I would be interested to know if anyone else is awaiting transfer from Contributory to Income realated ESA due to the new time-limiting rule.
I have been without benefit since the end of April, although I am entitled to full income related amount, have not had any joy with being transferred, and living off very limited savings while I wait.
I am reluctant to write to my MP due to the extra stress, and I'm not sure if it's worth it?

Any suggestions/ personal experience or support would be appreciated.

(have had no joy finding anything out from DWP apart from they got my ESA3 8 weeks ago!!)

Hi,

Sadly the DWP seem somewhat overwhelmed dealing with ESA claims at the moment thus causing delays in all ESA related matters.

You could try to make contact with the office dealing with your claim, explain the situation and see if your payments could be expedited. Explain that you are sustaining severe hardship.

If it is still delayed, do not worry about getting your MP on the case. It is after all what they are paid for.

You could also look into getting a crisis loan to help tide you over until payments restart.

Pete

In the run up to the implementation of the Welfare Reform Bill the DWP assured us that the change-over from contributary to income-related ESA would be 'seamless'...

People have, on the whole, had good results from getting their MP involved (not just with this, but with the process generally). Only you can decide whether the added stress is better than trying to live on dwindling savings.


Contacting your MP

You might also consider complaining to DWP

Complaining to DWP

Thanks Pete and Mrs Hurtyback,

I have been calling DWP every 2 weeks, but have only ascertained they received form in mid April, and that it 'has not been actioned'.

So I shall wait for the rest of today (I was due a 'call back' before 12) then e-mail my MP, as it sounds my only real option in getting any further, and it's good for him to know the reality about the 'seamlessness' of the governments 'Welfare' reforms.

Just a quick update. Finally got my call back earlier, and the advisor actually strongly suggested getting in touch with my MP as being the best way to help the situation move. So that's what I've now done. Many thanks for your encouragement to do so as well, and we shall see what transpires.

Heres hoping that this gets things moving for you!