CB ESA

Oreo

My husband applied for ESA in February 2023 and we got letters to say he would get £77 a week during the assessment period.  He also got ESA50 FORM (Capability to work questionnaire) which he completed and sent along with all medical evidence that he is not able to work due to illness.

To follow up on the above, we get automated response that a payment of £154 would be paid on 12th April 2023.  The payment never came.  Today we called and were informed that a payment of £159 would be paid on 26th April 2023. 

WE are unable to get through to an advisor to inquire about the payment  and also about the ESA50 FORM decision.  We have been calling everyday and hold for about an hour but are not put through an advisor.

How can we contact the ESA to inquire about the payment that did not come through.
Fit notes have been sent.  

Is there an email or online chat?

Kind regards
Oreo

poppy123456

You said he rang them today did he ask about the payment that you didn't receive on 12th April? The automated payment line doesn't always give correct information (if that's where you got that information from)

The ESA50 form you returned, he could be waiting several months for a decision on the work capability assessment. If he doesn't automatically qualify for the Support Group then an assessment is most likely because most people have them.

There's no email on online chat available for New style ESA. The only way to contact them is to ring them.

If you have a query about an existing claim for ‘new style’ ESA or JSA

Contact the Jobcentre Plus helpline.

Jobcentre Plus
Telephone: 0800 169 0310
Textphone: 0800 169 0314
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 169 0310

Oreo

Hi Poppy

Thanks for that information.  Yes the information was from an automated one.  it gave information while he was waiting to be connected to an advisor, which he never got connected to.

He was a bit concerned as the automated response stated that a payment will be made on 12th April and he is worried that the payment has not been to a wrong account, which may not be his.

He will have to keep on waiting.  I will advise him to keep calling.

As regards ESA50, does it make it easy or faster to make a decision since my husband was assessed for a blue badge and he successfully got one in February 2023?


Thanks

poppy123456

The automated payment line has been known to give incorrect information. 

When he had the decision letter did it give any details of when his first payment will be?

A blue badge will make no difference to his claim. You can see the descriptors here for the Support Group, if you age to already seen them. Just one of those needs to apply. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/support-group-descriptors

Please note that for the mobilising descriptor they will also take into consideration his ability to use a self propelled wheelchair. 

Oreo

Thanks for that feedback and noted.

No, the letter just mentioned amounts he will get before and after April 2023 and how often the payments will be, which is every two weeks.

It also states the NI will be credited while claiming ESA.

No specific payments dates are mentioned.

We will continue calling to check.

Thanks a lot.

OREO