First time applying for ESA

6emm6bee6

hi all, i was off sick for 8 months whilst i got diagnosed with Bipolar disorder , i have returned to work on a phased return/reduced hours.

i applied for ESA backdated for 2 months (as SSP is only 6 months.. i was getting Group Income Protection but it was only £1000 when my salary is £2500 and i wasn’t able to afford my bills for a couple months leading to debts)

i applied for new style ESA , had my phone call regard my claimant commitment last week and received my paper version of it through.

any idea how long payment takes from this point? Does that mean i’ve been accepted? The woman didn’t say no.. she said i was entitled to it and “not to worry, i’ve worked since you were legally able to and it’s okah to need help” and also discussed how i could apply for tax credit and ADP also.

I plan to use the money on the bills i couldn’t pay for a couple months so i would just like to understand where i am in the process and roughly when to expect payment.

Holly_Scope

Hi @6emm6bee6 sorry to be a pain but when you say received the paper version after your call, was this the award confirmation?

Your conversation with the lady definitely sounds very promising!

6emm6bee6

hi there! No it just appears to be my claimant commitment. We had the meeting/call on 13/11.

it says what happens next “we will write to you to tell you if you can get new style ESA and how much you will get”

I have already uploaded digital copies of my sicklines.

Holly_Scope

Hi @6emm6bee6 it could be up to a few months but fingers crossed it doesn't take that long for you and I hope you receive a positive result. 😊