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My contribution-based ESA stops in May, reaching the 365 days. How do I stop this?

Antaire

Hi all
My contribution based ESA stops in May reaching the 365 days. How do I stop this ?

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calcotti

You can't. The only way it can be extended is if, when you have a Work Capability Assessment, you are placed in the Support Group. You can try chasing DWP for an assessment but there is a big backlog.

Antaire

Thank you. So I should’ve been assessed by now but because of Covid they are just stopping it ?

calcotti

Antaire said:

Thank you. So I should’ve been assessed by now but because of Covid they are just stopping it ?

The law only allows it to be paid for 365 days unless you are in the Support Group. Assessments are supposed to happen within the first three months. Covid has caused delays. The government is aware that some claimants are in the situation you are in but have refused to allow any relaxation of the time limit.
https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/welfare-rights/news/item/dwp-has-no-plans-to-extend-time-limit-for-payment-of-contributory-esa-where-claimants-have-reached-365-day-limit-but-not-had-work-capability-assessment

Antaire

Thank you

calcotti

Have you completed the EA50 Work Capability questionnaire and are therefore waiting for a phone or F2F assessment or have DWP failed to send you the questionnaire?

Caz_Alumni

Hi @Antaire

Welcome to the community

It looks like you have already made a start on finding your way around and getting some answers to your questions. Hopefully, that's been helpful to you?

Please do feel free to keep exploring and give us a shout if you would like any help navigating the community or you have any further questions.

@Caz_Scope

Antaire

calcotti said:

Have you completed the EA50 Work Capability questionnaire and are therefore waiting for a phone or F2F assessment or have DWP failed to send you the questionnaire?

I remember filling out a form a year ago. I have just received a letter that my ESA will stop in May. If I have no money coming in I’m finishind.

Antaire

I didn’t sleep at all last night.

janer1967

Hi there

You still have a bit of time before it stops

You need to chase up your WCA calk them and ask if they have your forms you sent and if so when will you be having your assessment as it has been so long wait

If they haven't had your form then request another

Have you been supplying fit notes throughout the year

Antaire

What if they say just apply universal credit.

Antaire

janer1967 said:

Hi there

You still have a bit of time before it stops

You need to chase up your WCA calk them and ask if they have your forms you sent and if so when will you be having your assessment as it has been so long wait

If they haven't had your form then request another

Have you been supplying fit notes throughout the year

Yes every month with fail.

Antaire

Sorry without fail

janer1967

You wont know what they will say if you dont call them

Take it a step at a time but if you want to continue getting some money you need to sort it out

Give them a call see what they sat and then we can give you further advice

calcotti

Antaire said:

What if they say just apply universal credit.

You can claim UC at the same time as new style ESA anyway and often it will provide additional income but this depends on your circumstances. You can use a benefits calculator to assess entitlement. Benefits calculators - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Antaire

I waited a hour to get through. All the advisor said was to go on to the gov website and apply for ESA again which I did.

calcotti

Antaire said:

I waited a hour to get through. All the advisor said was to go on to the gov website and apply for ESA again which I did.

That's stupid advice. You cannot apply again straight away. If you wait until 12 weeks after it ends you can try claiming again and will be eligible if you meet the NI conditions (which will be based on different years to your previous one).