File returned to DWP

Jonnyc

I thought I would call the CHDA to check the status of any upcoming assessment and the lady told me my 'file' had already been returned to the ESA Dept at DWP. She couldn't tell when it was returned ( or maybe not allowed to tell me )

What do they mean by my file ? I thought they would write a medical report ? Why haven't I even been given an assessment ? Should I be concerned ? 

I only sent the ESA50 back at the beginning of Jan.

Thank you

poppy123456

In a previous thread you said you returned is mid December but they hadn’t received it by beginning of Jan. See thread https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/100470/esa50-not-received-by-advisory-service#latest
Your file means the form and any extra evidence you sent them to support your claim.
They’ve either not received your form and returned your file to DWP for failing to return.
Or you’ve had a paper based assessment and the report has been written and returned, along with your file.
If the report has been returned I’m surprised the person didn’t tell you this.
You will need to ring ESA to ask them and they will be able to tell you what’s happening.

Jonnyc

I did not update you on the progress of my previous thread. CHDA confirmed receiving the ESA50 on 4th Jan after my panic over Xmas - hope they were telling me truth - then again why wouldn't they?

Have just been on the phone to ESA and they have not received the file yet.

I guess - as you state - a paper assessment has been carried out - though from what I have read on this forum they are exceedingly rare.

Could a paper assessment have been done so quickly given the timeframe ?

poppy123456

Yes, it's possible that a paper based assessment has been completed, they are rare but possible. The timescale is rather quick but it is possible. The report is returned digitally so they should receive it the day it's returned.

Jonnyc

If it is done digitally why do you think the gentleman I spoke to at DWP could not find the file in the system ? Any ideas ?

poppy123456

I have no idea, sorry. It could be that either one of those you spoke to isn't telling you the truth. On the other hand, i can only guess what's happening.

Jonnyc

Thank you. I will call ESA again tomorrow - it may be he did not know how to access that information.

poppy123456

Literally anything is possible with a call centre. 

Jonnyc

Hopefully not telling the truth isn't 'possible' in my case.

Jonnyc

Just spoke to someone more clued up at CHDA - report returned digitally to the DM Team at ESA on 24th Jan. Report was done on the strength of my paperwork.

Now the waiting game for a letter from the DWP confirming my status - either LCW Group or Support Group. Could take a number of weeks or maybe months given how long other forum members have been waiting.

It's always nice to get through to someone who knows how to access the right information on their computer.

poppy123456

Glad you got the correct information today. Decisions can take anything up to 12 weeks, sometimes longer.

Jonnyc

Thank you - it often feels like the blind leading the blind when it comes to dealing with the DWP/HMRC & JCP - terribly frustrating for all of us struggling with disabilities and illnesses.

L_Volunteer

Completely hear you with the frustration @Jonnyc Would anything help you to feel less frustrated at the moment?