Trying to claim ESA

Cm935669 · April 2020

Im trying to claim esa I eventually got through two weeks ago. I'm self employed and got a fit note from the docs. I still haven't been paid nothing. The job centre phoned on Easter Friday and said someone will phone tomorrow and she couldn't help me she was quite rude and blunt. I said I've had no money since end march. No one phoned as the lady on the phone stated. I'm struggling to afford to pay for my bills. I thought as they took my bank details they might pay me.

chiarieds · April 2020

Hi @Cm935669 - Welcome to the community. I'm very sorry to hear the problems you're experiencing with getting paid ESA. Unfortunately I don't know how long it takes, but you could try ringing to ask this first thing tomorrow morning, where you'll hopefully find someone more sympathetic. I'll also ask one of the Scope team for their advice tomorrow morning.

There's some advice about financial problems here on Scope: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/benefits-and-coronavirus/?_ga=2.139083505.313936214.1586112800-305128390.1586112800#If-you-are-struggling-to-pay-your-bills

& also on Shelter: https://england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/money_problems_and_energy_costs/cash_in_a_crisis

thespiceman · April 2020

Hello @Cm935669 pleased to meet you.

Sorry to hear this please may I suggest looking at the links my friend @chiarieds has provided.

These may help as well.

https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

https://www.turn2us.org.uk

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Other welfare assistance community support in a crisis.

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk

https://www.redcross.org.uk

Please if we can help further please ask.

You not alone we are a friendly community.

Please if you have any questions please ask.

Please take care.

@thespiceman

chiarieds · April 2020

@Adrian_Scope - Please could you advise here as to how long it takes to be paid after claiming ESA, thank you.

Cm935669 · April 2020

Thank you everyone will try the links provided

Adrian_Scope · April 2020

Thanks for the tag @chiarieds.

Hello @Cm935669 and welcome to the community. It is supposed to take 2 weeks to receive the first payment of NS ESA. Have you still not received anything?

I'm just wondering, as you were previously self-employed, have you checked whether you've made enough NI contributions to claim NS ESA? If not, it will be Universal Credit that you need to claim. Have you tried calling them again?

Cm935669 · April 2020

Hi yes I have contributed enough NHS. I've tried to phone them they couldn't find my claim they've emailed the claim dept waiting for a call. Its been a lot longer than two weeks atlfter taking three weeks of calling not getting through. I know this virus has affected everything but my bills still need to be paid Thank you for answering my question.

Trying to claim ESA

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