ESA and the errors they have made

well i applied for ESA as SDA has been closed, and i have to say that i was pleased when i got the phonecall saying that i had been awarded ESA without a medical, but the errors they have made since then is just so stupid and annoying, as well as affecting my health more due to being unable to get help (at the moment) with medical costs

they phoned me on the 7th April, first to tell me that ESA had been awarded, and that i was on the WRG, i questioned this, and she comfirmed it, only to have to phone me back a couple of hours later stating that she had been incorrect, and that i was in the support group, and a letter would be sent to me that day.

letter arrived on the 9th, stating claim had been award from the 14th April for 2 years, good, only then i double check it and they have used my partner's NI number instead of mine, so i phoned them, sorry letter can not be used to claim housing benefits or medicals costs (i.e. getting a HC1), they will send out a new letter asap,

oh and was also told that claim had been awarded from the 3rd March, when questioned on back pay was informed this would be paid

by the 19th and still no letter, i phoned again, this time they took a message and promised someone would phone me back within 3 hours, which to be fair they did, and yes yet again they would send out a new correct letter that day

22nd April still no letter, so phoned yet again, they would send a email to the office and letter would be sent out asap

still nothing, so finally sent an email header official complaint on the 25th April, they phoned me back on the 27th saying that a letter had been sent, and yes it finally arrived on the 29th April,

not bad only 22 days, 3 phone calls and 1 email to get a correct copy of a letter that i should have had on the 9th April

but then i still had to apply for housing benefits, forms and all letters etc handed in on the 29th, along with claimform for the HC1 (medical certificate) sent by post, and it is this that is most important to us, i need over 10 items of medication each month, and you can understand i can not afford to pay this myself, was also supose to be at the dentist today, which i have had to cancel until mid June due to ESA errors, i also need a eye test as well, now overdue again due to ESA and this should not be the case as i am a diabetic,

NHS told me yesterday that they still have not recieved my form and it could take 21 days to reach their office,

so anyway, having got the correct letter last week i then sent a email asking about the arrears, this yet again was ignored by them, so yesterday sent another email, well they have responded this morning, the date of the claim that i was given over the phone is incorrect, that was the date that the medical people agreed my claim, it was then sent to the DWP for them to agree and set up, so again false information was given

oh and on the 7th April when told about the award the person also said that they would be informing pension credit (partners claim) so that they could stop paying it, did she, well no, of course not!!

i am disgusted and annoy at the way i am being made to pay with my health due to a stupid error

if anyone knows of a way i can complain officially higher up please let me know, i did find a phone number (0844 409 8262) but it no longer appears to be a complaint phone line anymore, maybe they had too many calls

i am now left with large rent arrears, and no medical cover for who knows how long all due to a letter that took weeks to be sent

oh good news they did get the payments correct!!!

thanks Gordon, will have a look at it tomorrow

I cant understand why that information is not provided to everyone by the dwp or tribunal service that wins an appeal - as a matter of course.
Its almost like they do not wish people to pursue it...

Emma you shouldn't be canceling appointments and going without medication, you have an award letter to show & besides .. the department dealing with HC1 forms are aware and should be communicating with the DWP at your request, as admin's they are on a paid salary to do so.
Even the dentist can make a back claim once your HC1 form is sorted
Don't let yourself go with out treatment and dont take no for anaswer.