Please can someone help me with ESA question !!!
I have been ill for nearly 3 years now and have been claiming ESA as I have been unable to work. I have been sending in sick notes from my GP as from the start of my claim and am still doing so now. In this time I have never been asked to attend work related meetings and have had no contact whatsoever with the DWP.
I began to worry when my health took another rapid turn downhill so I contacted my local job centre to ask if I had been forgotten as I'd not heard from them. They were totally surprised and they said they would contact me later that day to tell me what was going on.
Surprise Surprise they told me that an Atos Medical was arranged for the following week.
As my health is chronic my GP asked for the Atos Medial be performed in my own home as I rely on my 'Lifeline' pendant for help.
The medical took place on 5th August. It was short.
6 weeks later I have still not heard anything from anyone.
My questions are:-
1. Is this normal to be overlooked for 3 years?
2. If I pass the medical do I get any backdated ESA for the past 3 years as I have only been recieving the usual £71 per week.
3. How long before I hear something from them and who should I contact to get some updates.
Thanks Sal