Length of ESA award and etc.

Hi. I have just had the courage to phone to see how long my award was made for of the ESA Support Group when I was placed in SG in 0ctober 2013, in the light of re-assessments beginning again and also the fact that as I posted on here a few weeks back that I had been 'pestered' by letters to attend WFI at the job centre and also received the ESA2 on Christmas Eve, in response to cancelling the WFI by me saying I was in the support group and not able to attend. Seeing peoples concerns about re-assessments and when to expect them and also why the ESA2 is being sent out to people on recent threads, made me decided to query my decision. Someone had said on here that ES2 form may have been sent because a re-assessment was due and because of the backlog wont happen for a while. I am in the Support group for 2 years so clearly my ESA2 form was not because i was due re-assessing. I asked also this morning for a copy of my decision notice (ESA85A) to be sent out to me so that I can see the length of award and how I meet the ESA descriptors according to their decision. The person said that as the award was made over a year ago, she wasnt sure if this was possible as it would have been filled away, on slightly pressing, she then said well she would try but cannot be sure how long it would take. I believe I should be able to request it however long ago though? Finally with regard to my reassessment obviously later this year, I didnt query the backlog and how this may affect me but can I ask you kind people how you feel the backlog will affect me. i know from other threads it seems impossible to say for sure at the moment but any guidance would be appreciated. Thank you.

As a follow on to this I am still waiting receiving my ESA85A which I requested around the middle of March over the phone but then within a couple of days I did write to them with my request. As I put on this post above from at the time they did say on the phone that it would take sometime as it had been achived because of the time that had elapsed. i am cross with myself for not requesting it before as if re-assessments are on time mine will be coming up soonish, but I was so relieved at the time to get the award and scared at the time to find out how long the award was and which descriptors I matched. When i wrote to them in March I didnt head it a Subject Access Request and put on it the things may be I should had done that you recommend but I did put all y full details. Should I hang on a while longer or write again this time putting it through as an SAR with the data protection wording. I dont want to get their backs up if they are dealing with it when they did say it would take some considerable time to locate. Thank you.

Heffy wrote: As a follow on to this I am still waiting receiving my ESA85A which I requested around the middle of March over the phone but then within a couple of days I did write to them with my request. As I put on this post above from at the time they did say on the phone that it would take sometime as it had been achived because of the time that had elapsed. i am cross with myself for not requesting it before as if re-assessments are on time mine will be coming up soonish, but I was so relieved at the time to get the award and scared at the time to find out how long the award was and which descriptors I matched. When i wrote to them in March I didnt head it a Subject Access Request and put on it the things may be I should had done that you recommend but I did put all y full details. Should I hang on a while longer or write again this time putting it through as an SAR with the data protection wording. I dont want to get their backs up if they are dealing with it when they did say it would take some considerable time to locate. Thank you.

Hi H,

I really wouldn't worry about "getting their backs up" !

It is the job of the DWP Data Controller to safely store claimant's personal information and provide copy of it to the claimant when it is requested.

Many, many claimants have requested their documentation, including a great many of our members.

They are supposed to comply with your request within 40 calendar days of receipt of your SAR, that is the law.

We have had a few members who have had to chase a SAR up.

We advise that you re-write to The Data Controller, reissuing the SAR, and threatening a complaint to : The ICO. if the do not comply.

If you have a copy of the original request, include that, and a copy of proof of their receipt of it, if you also have that.

Have a read through : This Post.

Please let us know how you get on.

bro58

Hi and many thanks. Have done this and sent it off today so will keep you informed as to what happens next.

Just to keep you informed as promised. I have finally received my ESA85A in this mornings post. Surprisingly sent by them to be signed for.