Christmas Present from the DWP

Nice Christmas present landed this morning from the DWP a lovely ESA50 form to fill in.
It was dated the 01/12/2015 and it has to be back before the 01/01/2016. Now because I didn't receive it until 04/12/2015 and what with the Christmas Holidays and Royal Mail being overwhelmed with letters what do you think my chances are of getting it back to them on time. If not is there anything I can do about it?
My last ESA was in January 2012 so I was half expecting it but the DWP's timing is immaculate as ever.

jackmalanak wrote: Nice Christmas present landed this morning from the DWP a lovely ESA50 form to fill in.
It was dated the 01/12/2015 and it has to be back before the 01/01/2016. Now because I didn't receive it until 04/12/2015 and what with the Christmas Holidays and Royal Mail being overwhelmed with letters what do you think my chances are of getting it back to them on time. If not is there anything I can do about it?
My last ESA was in January 2012 so I was half expecting it but the DWP's timing is immaculate as ever.

Hi jm,

Your are supposed to get 4 weeks to fill in and return your ESA50, however, the 4 weeks sometimes starts from the date of the letter accompanying The ESA50.

They do not make allowances for Bank Holidays and Postal Services restrictions due to them.

You could contact : The Centre for Health and Disability Assessments (CHDA) (Maximus) who took over the ESA WCA Contract from ATOS on 02/03/15. or The DWP to ask for an extension, but this is nothing in legislation allowing for an extension and it is totally at their discretion.

If you are informed that you do have an extension I would ask for written confirmation.

If you don't gain an extension, I would fill in The ESA50 as best you can, then post it in good time to arrive back no later than close of business on the deadline date.

As your return deadline seems to be a Bank Holiday, it would be by close of business on the next working day which seems to be 04/01/16.

I would keep a note of the return address, and put a covering letter in with the ESA50 stating that due to time constraints you have further evidence and will forward it to them as soon as you have it.

Then forward any fresh information, again with a covering letter as soon as you can.

There will always be some time elapsing between them receiving your ESA50 and them scrutinising it to see whether you require a face to face.

If it turns out that you do get called for a face to face take copy of the extra evidence along with you and hand it to The Assessor.

It is important that you ensure that the ESA50 is posted in good time to arrive back by the deadline or your file may be returned to The DWP and it is possible that you can be found fit for work for failure to return your ESA50.

See the following :

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

Whilst referring to the guides on this page, 2nd & 3rd links down :

ESA Claims Guides

See also :

How long do I have to complete the ESA50?

ESA50 too big for the envelope

&

Sending Documents to the DWP or Maximus. (CHDA)

bro58

1. Phone the number on the top of the letter or where it says to speak to them on.
2. When you phone, ask for the name of the person you are speaking to - they never give their family name. Ask for their location and write it down.
3. If they give you an extension, write the date down.
4. Write a letter to them explaining you have asked for an extension,been provided with a date, giving the name, time and location and the date now extended to and send it recorded/ signed for or whatever, keeping a copy for yourself.
Should be fine as this is what I have done.

pusscatsmum wrote: 1. Phone the number on the top of the letter or where it says to speak to them on.
2. When you phone, ask for the name of the person you are speaking to - they never give their family name. Ask for their location and write it down.
3. If they give you an extension, write the date down.
4. Write a letter to them explaining you have asked for an extension,been provided with a date, giving the name, time and location and the date now extended to and send it recorded/ signed for or whatever, keeping a copy for yourself.
Should be fine as this is what I have done.

Hi Pcm,

If you are speaking of the 2 week extension that you obtained to return your PIP 2 Form : Here

Even though there are provisions in place to allow an extension to the time allowed to fill in and return a PIP 2, there are no such provisions for an extension to the time allowed to fill in and return an ESA50.

bro58

the advice about making a note of:

1. the time and date you phoned
2. name of the person you spoke to
3. where they are
4. summary of what was said/agreed

is always good - it makes you feel a bit more in control and helps you keep yourself organised and focused

Hi,

Yes you are right it was for PIP re me.
I only presumed they would be kind enough !!!! to do the same for ESA, but apparently not.
However, no harm in trying !!

thanks