SDA-ESA: My journey has begun

My letter from the DWP initiating the migration process was issued two weeks ago. As I wrote last week, I was staggered when the DWP rep that made the standard phone said it could be up to seven weeks before I received the ESA 50. The initial DWP letter stated, “After the call, we will send you a questionnaire” and I know that claimants don’t usually wait long for it to drop through the letterbox. Today, I emailed Atos Healthcare in hope of clarification. I received a reply very quickly. I have been informed that my benefit office has not yet made the referral that will trigger the issue of the ESA 50 and that only the DWP can advise claimants about the timescale of the transfer procedure.

I thought I knew the procedure from reading so many forum posts and replies but I’m totally confused.

Mari W

Thanks, Gordon. I shall do just that.

I emailed Atos again today as advised. Customer Services replied promptly to say that my benefit office referred my claim yesterday (16 July) and this triggered the ESA 50 that I ought to receive very soon. It’s a relief that nothing has gone wrong so far but despite long preparation I’m terrified. It’s a gloriously sunny day out there. It’s hard to imagine that most people can enjoy it without progressively disabling illness and without the intense fear I’m feeling now.

I’ll be using the PDF version of the form. When I return it to Atos do I have to include the unused paper version?

Thanks,

Mari W