Help

MandySH

I had my telephone assessment on 11th June. Having not heard what was happening, I phoned DWP on 29th July & they told me I was being put in the work group. They told me I had to wait for the decision letter before I could appeal. Today I phoned to ask where the letter was. Their response was that they weren't sending me a letter. So how can I appeal!!??
She offered that someone else call me back with an explanation. But this has all sent my anxiety through the roof. I then called PIP to ask when I would get their letter of the decision & I'm told its still with the case manager. I applied for PIP last December!!!! Even more anxiety. Have just called my Doctor, can't get through. I'm on the verge of just ending it all. I feel worthless & forgotten.

chiarieds

Hi @MandySH - sorry this all has caused you upset. Unfortunately, when you ring the DWP, you are actually put through to call handlers, who can often say the wrong thing. With ESA you should get a decision letter, as first mentioned.

I'm also sorry hearing about your PIP claim is taking so long; hopefully not too much longer. You are certainly not worthless, but I understand it must be a strain waiting for decision letters. With your GP, can you ring first thing in the morning to try & get through?

Take care, & kindly let us know how you get on.

Tori_Scope

Hi @MandySH I'm sorry to hear about the stress you've been having with your ESA and PIP claims. I've sent you an email from community@scope.org.uk, so please do take a look at that when you get a moment. 

MandySH

Hi @ Chiarieds, thank you for your reply. I'm just at my wits end with the DWP. I'm in so much debt because of the lack of help from them. I wouldn't criticise normally, but I have worked & paid into the system for the last 43 years! All I want is a little help to get me through a few years until I can claim my state pension.
I emailed my Doctor, so hope to hear a response soon.
I will update you more if the utter despair doesn't take over.
Thank you for your kind words.

poppy123456

Hi,

A decision letter should have been sent, I’m not sure why you were told differently. If you think you should be in the Support Group then you’ll need to appeal the decision but I’d advise you to get some advice from an agency near you because if you don’t fit the criteria for the Support Group then it’s pointless appealing.

If it’s New Style ESA you’re claiming then do be aware that this is only paid for 1 year, after this then payments will stop. If placed into the Support Group then it’s paid for as long as you remain in that group. 

MandySH

Hi @Tori_Scope, I did reply to your email asking for help. However, I got a automated reply that wasn't helpful at all. Maybe there is another email that I can forward my response to? Thank you for your kindness.

poppy123456

Unfortunately, paying into the system for all those years doesn't automatically entitle you to be in the Support Group.

You can see the Support Group descriptors here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

For help and support with the Tribunal process i'd advise you to contact an advice agency near you. Start here with that.

https://advicelocal.uk/ I would advise you to get some advice before requesting the Tribunal because if you don't fit the criteria then there's no point in going any further.

Tori_Scope

Sorry, I only just saw this @MandySH. Due to the volume of emails we receive to the inbox, we have an automatic reply that goes out to everyone. This is why it wasn't tailored to your situation. We'll take a look at your email tomorrow, apologies for the delay.