ESA- initial decision

Hi there,

Just a quick question, I applied for ESA - written application- at the end of Feb 2017. I rang to confirm receipt on 13/3. It had been received and it was suggested I call back the following week to check that it had been considered. I rang on 17/3, apparently DWP computers were down. I rang today only to find that my claim is 'dormant', apparently this means still awaiting action. I was told that someone would call me within 24 hours to discuss my application...Is this normal, I assumed that initial claims (prior to assessment) were dealt with within 3 weeks?

Kind regards,

Hi Milly,

An ESA claim is usually started quite quickly, I would have expected you to have been paid by now (as long as you have supported your application with a 'fitnote').

I don't know why DWP would want to speak to you on the phone I'm afraid. Anything I suggest would be nothing more than guesswork.

I will be interested in hearing the reason when you have been informed of it.