ESA Telephone Review?

It's been 18 months since my last decision, and I would have been due reassessment in June.

Given the recent news about non-assessment of existing claims, I was surprised to receive a letter telling me I would be receiving a phone call next week in order to 'make sure' I am receiving the 'right amount' of ESA, and that they would be asking me 'some details' relating to my 'current circumstances', including savings/income information.

They want me to have the 'latest details' to hand. What do they mean by this? All I have is my ESA and my debts, nothing else. Do they want Doctors stuff too?

Has anyone else had to do this? I hate stuff like this cos it pushes my anxiety to stupid levels and I'm afraid I'm going to sound dodgy on the phone.

I know I'm probably unnecessarily worried about this, but I'd just like to check if this is normal, and not some attempt to hoodwink me into saying something that could be construed as a change in circumstances. Nothing's really changed for me in 18 months.

Feel nauseous at the prospect of receiving this call. Please, if anyone has any information, let me know.

Too add to Gordon's excellent advice - compliance 'visits' have recently been carried out by phone, it is possible that you will be asked to send in copies of your financial details, depending on the outcome of the call.

Gordon wrote: The Seal

This is not a re-assessment of your claim, but rather a compliance visit, so you will not require any medical evidence.

There are two reasons for these visits, both are related to your payments, either there is the possibility that you are being under paid, depending on your circumstances the DWP may believe that you are entitled to a Premium for example and need to check your eligibility, alternatively it may be because they believe you are being overpaid, this could be because they suspect you have an undeclared income or that your savings are exceed the applicable limits.

They will want to see your bank and savings statements and related documents.

The vast majority of these visits result in no further action being taken, so you should try not to worry about this too much, although I realise that this is easier said than done.

Gordon

Thanks for the info Gordon, but you're saying I'm going to get a visit? I thought this was a phone call? They're saying they're going to call me, not doorstep me. :/

Mrs Hurtyback wrote: Too add to Gordon's excellent advice - compliance 'visits' have recently been carried out by phone, it is possible that you will be asked to send in copies of your financial details, depending on the outcome of the call.

Ah, that explains it then.

The only extra income I've had is a few hundred quids worth of personal stuff on ebay to pay for xmas. I can't see how that's going to cause any issues. Should I even bother bring it up?