Esa confusion 2

n31

Hi
I was recieving statutory sick pay which has stopped recently, since this the first time i am claiming esa, will I get the basic esa payment whilst I am waiting for a decision for assessment or is it after? I am also recieving housing benefit and council tax reduction will these be affected because of delayed response. 
Thanks

tomm

Hi, you should get the what is known as assessment rate ESA until you have had a WCA and the DWP have made a decision based on the evidence available to them,  such as the ESA50 questionaire they will send you, as well as any reports from specialists or your GP that you submit and the HCP's findings at the WCA if f2f assessment they aim to  carry out the WCA within 13weeks , though it's possible that it could take much longer , due to several factors 

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi n31,

You should keep your Local Authority's Housing Benefit team up to date with any changes to income or circumstances so that they can reassess your entitlement. If you are just swopping from SSP to ESA assessment phase there shouldn't be any change in your HB/CTR entitlement unless you have any other income. 

Lee