ESA- How much longer to wait?

PocketCece
PocketCece Community Member Posts: 3 Listener
edited August 25 in Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Hi everyone!

I applied for ESA back in early July due to my sick pay from work being ended by mid July. I was told by DWP that I should start getting payments by end of July - which was great cause it would land a week after my sick pay ended.

It is now nearly the end of August and I have heard absolutely nothing - no emails, letters, calls etc. I've tried phoning job centre plus multiple times but got the same answers of "we are processing it, phone back next week if you haven't heard anything".

I understand backlogs can impact how long it takes for these to get sorted- but I have now had over a month of no income, and bills needing to be paid.

Really, I was just wondering if anyone had advice or could share their experience applying for ESA? (Like how long you waited for first payment etc.)

Thank you all, and sorry for the essay post :)

Comments

  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Community Member Posts: 6,329 Championing

    Hi,

    ESA usually starts being paid quickly. You should start on a lower 'assessment rate' for the first few weeks while waiting for the WCA.

    Is it the national ESA line that you've been phoning or your local Job Centre?

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