ESA underpayment next steps

sipcia

Hello,
My son has been underpaid ESA since 2015/june2018, he took a part time job in July but only managed 3 shifts and was unable to continue so reclaimed ESA on August 10th 2018. When we reclaimed the advisor told us he had never have his medical assessment for his previous claim and was owed arrears. I have been trying to claim these arrears to be told he won't be getting them because he is not entitled to it and sadly he was just overlooked. I am not happy with this and want to fight that decision because if we owed the money they would want it back. please can anyone advise me on the next steps to take.

pam

Pippa_Alumni

Hi @sipcia, and a warm welcome to the community!

I'm sorry to hear about what you and your son have been facing. We have some experienced members and benefits advisors here who will hopefully be along to offer some guidance with this. 

sipcia

Thankyou for your response and hello, I would be most grateful to hear from an advisor. Thankyou again
Pam

poppy123456

Hi,

I just replied to your post on the other thread. You need to find out if it was a new claim or a rapid reclaim. I think the problem here is that he may have made a new claim for ESA, where he should have made a rapid reclaim. The first thing you need to do is find out which claim he made and then go to your local CAB or welfare rights for further advice.

sipcia

Type Thanks for replying im not too savvi with computer works, when Reuben reclaimed we were sent out all the forms to fill in and a WCA form. When i spoke with the lady last week she said he had been putt on a rapid reclaim so im not really sure or clear about it. comment

poppy123456

If it's definitely a rapid reclaim then the both claims are linked and there should be no reason why he should be backdated all the money he's owed from the 14th week of the claim from when he originally claimed ESA. My advise is you should still speak to either your local CAB or welfare rights for further advice.

sipcia

Thankyou so much