ESA Medical Delay

I completed the atos questionnaire for ESA in Jan and still have not heard back from anybody. Im aware that they are backlogged and due to be replaced. I've been submitting regular sick notes from my doctor and am surviving off the basic £70 odd quid a week. I haven't chased them as to be honest I'm dreading the medical and the whole process it entails.

My understanding is that when I do eventually get the medical, if I I am accepted, I should receive a back payment for the difference. Is this correct?

Should I be chasing them, will it make any difference?

Does anyone have any idea how long the backlog is?

Many thanks, Kev

Hi Kev,

You are right, there is a considerable backlog with ESA claims, some people are waiting a year or more for a decision. If you are awarded ESA then the higher rate will be backdated to the beginning of the 14th week of your claim.

Thanks Mrs Hurtyback - if I don't chase them up will it have any impact on the medical and or the back payments?

Kev68 wrote: Thanks Mrs Hurtyback - if I don't chase them up will it have any impact on the medical and or the back payments?

You can chase them up if you wish, although it is unlikely to make any difference! If you prefer to simply wait then there will not be any harm in doing so.

I recently got called in to the Job Centre where they told me my Atos medical should be in the next couple of months.

Since I filled in the ESA50 in January, I am now seeing a physician and undergoing treatment for my conditions. My questions are:

1) Should I contact the DWP to advise of the treatments Im receiving? (Im still not fit for work and am still getting sick certificates from my doctor)

2) Should I try to get my doctor and physician to provide supporting evidence now, which I submit asap, or should I take the evidence to the medical?

3) When I eventually get the date for my medical how much notice will they give me - I need to ensure that I can get someone to attend with me. If the initial date isn't suitable do they allow you to ask for a later date?

Many thanks!