ESA/UC Migration - not notified of ID appt, and benefits stopped!

Jonesy038

Hi all

Sorry to add another to the pile of migration problems! I'm trying to help my brother out, who is absolutely shot to bits.

We lost our Dad in March 2024. Shortly after that, he had his latest ESA assessment (he was in the "Support Group") and was told he was clear for the next 2 years, until summer 2026. No need for any further assessments etc.

Then this migration thing started happening.

Long story short, he didn't get any money for a few weeks, then contacted DWP who said "sorry mate, you didn't turn up for your ID appointment so we've closed your claim down completely"!!! DWP never communicated an ID appointment to him. If they called, they didn't leave a message. My brother had no idea this appointment had come and gone. Needless to say, if he'd have know, he'd have gone!

Wind it forward a few weeks (we're probably in about May this year now), he was told they'd submit his case for some sort of reconsideration or other, but he's still heard nothing and still hasn't had a penny for months!! Any bright ideas about who's coach he/I should rattle about this to try and compel some progress? At the moment we're just stick in this no man's land vortex, waiting for someone, at some point, when they feel like it, to maybe, possibly come back to him with a decision! Meanwhile, he's not receiving a penny and is, frankly, frightened. Do I need to nobble the local job centre for him? Somebody else? We just have no idea where to direct our ire, to try and get this sorted. It's absolutely scandalous :( Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Kimi87

I suggest you consult a trained benefits advisor for guidance

https://advicefinder.turn2us.org.uk/

Holly_Scope

Hi @Jonesy038 I'm so sorry to read this. I can't imagine how much unwarranted stress and upset this situation is causing you and your brother. I would guess they've sent this for a mandatory reconsideration. Alongside Turn2Us, it might be worth contacting DWP as you've mentioned, to follow up. I'd suggest keeping evidence of your communications with them too. I really hope you're able to get this resolved asap. Please let us know how things progress if you're happy to.

Jonesy038

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1051495#Comment_1051495

Thanks so much Holly. In terms of the appropriate contact point for DWP, would that be the local job centre which he has historically been under, or a more central contact point for DWP somewhere else? If the former, would you think I just address any communications to "The Manager" at the relevant job centre? Really appreciate you replying, thank you.

Holly_Scope

Hi @Jonesy038 am I right to presume you don't have a universal credit online journal at present? If that's the case, I'd start with contacting the universal credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 as mandatory reconsiderations aren't dealt with directly by the job centre.