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Terror! Letter from DWP/ESA about savings

Zipz

I am terrified. I’ve just received a letter from the DWP regarding ESA requesting evidence of my savings, etc.

I have not claimed income-related ESA or any means-tested benefit or support since the death of my parent 18 months ago. I received CB ESA and PIP. I informed the DWP before probate was granted, a few weeks’ money as a result.

The letter refers to the savings I have previously told them about. I never held so much money before inheriting from my parent.

Obviously, I have to reply but do i have to tell them exactly how much money I have and where it is held?

I’m in a terrible state here.

Thanks, Zipz

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OverlyAnxious

Hi,

Does the letter give you exact dates which you need send bank statements covering?

Zipz

Latest bank statements and building society books, property valuation, etc

Zipz

Please somebody help. Zipz

poppy123456

Yes, you will need to send them what they’ve asked for. Are you 100% sure all of your ESA is contributions based?

Can you please confirm how much ESA you receive every fortnight? I would expect your ESA to be £138.20/week (£276.40/fortnight) Support Group amount if it’s all contributions based. Any more than that and at least part of it is Income Related.

Many people get confused with the difference between the two.

Zipz

Hi @poppy123456

I receive £138.20 per week… not a penny more. I also receive PIP.

Why do I have to let them know exactly how much money I have and where it's held when I'm not claiming a meant-tested benefit?

Kimi87

They might be re assessing you to see if you are eligible for IR ESA again?

I'm personally not aware of that happening unless the claimant requests it, but that's the only possibility I can think of.

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/947245#Comment_947245

im not entitled. so very scared..

Zipz

trying to phone them.

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/947245#Comment_947245

I wonder whether you are right @Kimmy87

IR-related ESA claimants are, as we know, being migrated to UC. Could it be that they're checking my financial situation to see whether I'm eligible for UC.

I phoned DWP/ESA. @poppy123456 is correct in saying I have to send all the evidence requested. It's been a long, hard day because I can only use my laptop to type a letter and copy documents very slowly. I cant sit upright for long so I manage lying on my side. I'm in so much pain now I feel sick.

I'll get somebody to post it tomorrow.

WhatThe

Zipz, reviews are intrusive and distressing even for claimants with no savings or capital. Dealing with the grief surrounding this is going to be really tough and I'm sorry it's floored you today. Thank goodness we have Scope for support 💜

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/947512#Comment_947512

I know @WhatThe because I had few savings until my bereavement. I wish I could have had a normal life but I've tried to make the most of it. I can honestly say that the DWP have been the worst part of the struggle. No wonder people have died.

WhatThe

You'd swap the savings in an instant if you could..

I'm impressed at how clearly you expressed your fears today then reading that you've already typed a letter and copied documents through enormous pain. Let's hope they conduct the review without much ado.

My two reviews - I was upset and angry (scared) but both agents were extremely patient with me. It's a routine task for them but highly personal information to us and discomfiting.

18 months ago is not very long.

I concur on them compounding our struggle 😞

Zipz

Hello all,

I'm still in a poor shape from the letter of last week.

No sooner had a kind neighbour taken everything to the PO for me I received a call from a DWP manager assuming me that it was only to check that I still held more than £16, 000 in capital. My claim was OK. Why they needed so much information I don't know. Perhaps I'm developing paranoia.

Anyway, today I received one document back so my letter, etc has been opened. Now, I'm wondering when I'll get an answer and this particular trauma will be over.

How long do customer reviews usually take?

Thanks, Zipz

poppy123456

They take as long as they take, there's no timescales. For you though it's not a review as such because your ESA isn't means tested. They asked for bank statements because they were checking entitlement to the Income Related top up but there's no entitlement due to your capital still being above £16,000.

You have absolutely nothing to worry about.

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/950264#Comment_950264

Thanks @poppy123456

Zipz

I didn't think today could get any worse. The post just delivered a second letter demanding the very things I sent them 4wweeks ago by next day delivery. I've written again bur I feel so ill.

OverlyAnxious

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/959629#Comment_959629

What was the date on this letter? It will have been delayed over the bank holidays etc.

poppy123456

The letter may have cross posted with you returning what they've asked for and they may not have received it when this letter was sent out to you. Even though you sent it next day delivery, it doesn't mean it arrived with DWP and was added to the system on that day.

Very often it can take a couple of weeks for this to be done. It's the reason why sending anything to them next day delivery is rather pointless. Proof of posting is free and is all that's needed to prove you sent it to them.

I'd advise you to give them a ring on Monday morning when they open to ask if they received what you sent and they will tell you.

Zipz

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/959635#Comment_959635

@poppy123456 One of the documents I sent was copied and returned within a couple of days so it must have been in the system. Would you still say I have nothing to worry about. I feel sick but I'd rather face things. Zipz

Marydoll5

@Zipz I agree with Poppy's advice.

Remember you aren't on any means tested benefits so the savings limit doesn't apply to you as you are cESA