Can they do this (ESA)? Change my payment day with no notice?

PabloCarbone118

Hello, I've just found this forum after having yet another full day of problems and stress with the DWP and running out of places and people to turn to or ask for help 

Basically, yesterday I was officially told I would get paid on the 8th March (today) and when I found out nothing had gone in this morning, u phoned back and it's suddenly changed to fri and nothing today. The problem is that when they told me, clearly, that I was getting paid today thought I could rely on it and borrowed money from friends, based on me being able to pay back today!

Nightmare!

Cheers 

James 

poppy123456

Hi,
It depends. If it’s a recent new claim and it’s your first payment then you’ll usually receive your ESA on the same day each fortnight. Your payment day is determined by the last 2 digits of your NI number. 
If its backdated money owed then it can be paid any day but payment usually takes 3-5 working days to go into your bank from the day it’s paid. 

PabloCarbone118

Thanks poppy, yes that's what they've told me, and yes it's a new claim backdated. 

My issue is that surely they can't give me a firm amount and day, and then just change it on me with 0 days notice and get me in trouble!?!

poppy123456

Who offically told you that you would receive your money today? Was it someone you spoke to on the phone?

PabloCarbone118

The automated robot woman, but she said, clearly, "you will get paid 149 pounds on 8th March" No if or buts or maybes, and I relied on it

poppy123456

Then clearly they were wrong. Once payment is made it takes 3-5 working days to go into your bank and backdated money can be received on any day. I see nothing wrong here other than you were informed the incorrect day.

Future payments will be made fortnightly.

It's only a few extra days and i'm sure you're friend will understand if you explain.

PabloCarbone118

I was hoping i might get some sort of special circumstances advance payment or something , based on the fact that it's their fault and they've got me in the **** 
But it is what it is m, by the look of it, and I'll just have to tell people Friday instead. Could be worse to be fair 👍

poppy123456

I'm afraid that's not going to happen because the money that's owed to you has been paid, you just need to wait for the funds to clear in your bank account. Advance payments don't exist for ESA anyway.

PabloCarbone118

What a cafufful!
Thanks for your help poppy, you've given me clearer and more consistent info than any staff I've spoken to and at least I'm know what I'm dealing with ✌

poppy123456

No worries. It's also worth remembering that when you ring DWP you're actually speaking to someone from a call centre, not someone from DWP itself.

PabloCarbone118

I know, I knew ppl would know what I mean 

PabloCarbone118

🤘