ESA?

[becky26]

Hi, I forgot to ask this morning when I was on when I go for my ATOS medical next week do they still pay ESA while they are making a decision???? Hope everyone is well tonight and not to sore x

[Hidden]

Hello, they would tell you if they were going to stop your ESA, have you had a letter saying they were going to suspend it until after your medical?? I would contact DWP for confirmation but I'm sure they would tell you if they were suspending it.

[becky26]

I haven't had a letter. I'm supposed to get paid next friday and my medical is on Tuesday and need to know if money will still go through.

[Hidden]

They should tell you if they were stopping especially if you're claiming housing and council tax benefit also...ring ESA in the morning... have you got the number?

[becky26]

Yes I have the number. Do u know how long it takes for Atos to make a decision? I'm worried sick about it

[Hidden]

Good ring them in the morning:). I don't know sweetheart how long it takes, all I know is that they would not stop your money without telling you, PM me if you want any more info... but please don't worry it will be ok. Xx

[becky26]

Thanku so much for ur help xx

[Hidden]

Your welcome.... It's a worry I know but they can't and won't just stop your money without telling you. Ring them tomorrow and try not to worry, Night xx

[Vonnie55]

Please have a look on the website benefitsandwork.co.uk they have free info on this, plus invaluable guides to help if you pay a yearly fee of around £15ish. It was worth every penny, anyway have a look you can sign up to free info emailed to you. Good luck x

[Vonnie55]

Hi again, sorry the above link was incomplete, hope this works, if not, google it. benefitsandwork.co.uk

This website is nothing to do with DWP its brilliant.

[sammiebabe70]

I still got paid while they decided to fail me or pass me, i got a letter when they failed me and i appealed it and got paid while appeal was going through x

[becky26]

Thanku xx

[tessintrouble]

I failed my medical on points and payments were stopped until they received my appeal. I had a problem with getting all the info from them (statement of reasons, copy of medical "report" etc). They informed me that I failed via telephone and my payments were only reinstated (and backdated) after they accepted my appeal. I am still waiting to hear whether I go to a tribuneral or not but I went nearly 6 weeks with no money. Please be careful at the medical - everything is noted to help them to refuse you ESA, from how you arrive at the centre, how you walk to the examining room etc. I had my medications etc in a "bag for life" carrier bag - (plastic) containing meds and papers but it was noted "carried large bag in right hand with no problems" I could go on and on but visit the website mentioned earlier and read the "do's and don'ts" before you go. Best of luck x

[cuddles64]

Hi becky26,

I was paid my E.S.A while they were making decisions on my medical with Atos and I failed the first time and had to go back on UB and was then signed off UB and put back on E.S.A a second time and went for another medical which I passed and they didn't stop my benefit then either. Then I was finally removed from the W.R.A.G. and placed in the support group. I also finally won my D.L.A. battle which took 3 years to receive, I did have to appeal several times though. My advice is NEVER give up the fight. It is mentally exhausting and leaves you quite ill during it. But you can win hun. Good luck x

[becky26]

Hi cuddles64 what is UB? X

[Hidden]

Hi Becky26, I apologise if your question has been answered above but, as Governemnt Affairs Officer for NRAS, I thought I should clarify things just in case.

Your ESA will continue to be paid while you wait for a decision from Atos, but if you are worried and want clarification then you should get in touch with the contact details given on your letter.

If you don't receive the outcome you were hoping for and decide to appeal, you can continue to receive the basic allowance of ESA until a decision is made on your appeal by a tribunal.

I hope this helps.

Leo

[Hidden]

However, it is always wise to cross reference with Citizens Advice Bureau and/or Dial UK.

Leo