Paid ESA but not had assessment yet

Mango123
Mango123 Community member Posts: 9 Listener
in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
I'm a bit confused I've been paid a lump sum (I am guessing to back date) but I've only just had the form to fill in for the assessment is this normal or should you at least be notified rather than it just appear in your account?

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    I wouldn’t expect a decision to have been made if you’ve only just received the ESA50 form. 

    My thoughts here are did you ask for your ESA to be backdated at all when you first claimed? It can be backdated for a maximum of 3 months. 
  • Mango123
    Mango123 Community member Posts: 9 Listener
    edited October 2023
    Yeah I was made redundant in Aug so it was to be from date work terminated so I think they have backdated to then, but I just thought I would have had a letter or email before being paid, it's so unorganised.

    The letter came today to fill in the form it says I have to Nov 10th to send back so I'll get it back asap, however as my condition in Bipolar I may get some advice to fill it in as I want to make sure I don't mess up as I can use a washing machine, am ok physically etc but it's more atm I don't feel well enough to do as many hours as before and just need that support to help look for a new job which would be suitable as I used to work flexi 25 hours a week and it was a set routine each week of the same hours.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 59,054 Championing
    It’s not unusual to receive money in your bank before the letter. You should receive that within the next 10 days.

    There’s a guide here to help fill the form in. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/help-with-your-esa-claim/fill-in-form-esa/
    Your ESA payments are limited to 1 year unless placed into the Support Group. You can see the descriptors here for that. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/support-group-descriptors

    Do be aware that if you do return to do some work while claiming ESA you can do permitted work. You must make sure you work less than 16 hours per week and don’t earn more than £167/week. 

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