In August 2013 I helped with the submission of a new claim for ESA. My client was immediately placed on the Assessment phase but is still awaiting her face to face assessment with ATOS or their successors. In one respect this is good since she is at least getting some money coming in. Hopefully, when she does get assessed, a decision will be made quickly and she gets placed in the WRAG (again hopefully).
I'm afraid this is not an unusual story, we have many members in a similar situation Don't forget that your client's ESA will only be paid until August unless a decision is mase to put her in the support Group in the meanwhile or she qualifies for income-related benefit.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems