Time extension for ESA50

Is it possible to request an extension for the filling in of this form? My husband is still really ill from PIP assessment three weeks ago, and juggling his care with yet another form to fill in is stretching me to breaking point.

I do have the support of the GP and our local MP concerning negating another f2f assessment so that eases the pressure a little. Truly I need to prioritise my husband’s care right now. Do you think I’d get a fortnights extension as I did for PIP?

Thanks BIS.
I’ll press on.

Magdelena,

I'm not recommending you do this, I'm not sure if it is normal practise so there may be a risk involved but we were recently gave an extension for a family member.

They received a letter stating that a ESA50 form had been sent on a certain date and they only had a week or less to return the completed form or their benefit could be stopped, this form was genuinely never received.

I called up to explain this and they said they would send a new form out and to fill it in as soon as possible they return it directly to the Job Centre (not the assessment address that was on the letter stating there was only 1 week left).

I asked "when you asap, how long do we actually have?" she said "how long do you need, would 2 weeks be enough?" I replied "well I don't know this has all came as a shock just with this mornings post" to which she replied OK, take it in asap but not later than 4 weeks".

Again, I'm not sure if this is normal practice and BIS has stated that legislation won't allow an extension, I also wouldn't recommend lying but we did get the extension for a genuine reason.

Maxit, I appreciate your reply.

I’ve spoken to a handful of people at Maximus and the DWP and they’ve all been very sympathetic and understanding. My husband had a fall in the bath two days after the ESA50 arrived (he has Parkinson’s) but he’s been really unwell since the PIP f2f.

While I accept the legislation BIS mentions I find it exceptionally unkind in the circumstances. The DWP do know the consequences of the stress they’ve placed upon him. Your words have given me a dash of hope which I appreciate. I’m going to fill the form in by the due date but I’ll call them too. They can only say no and if nothing else it’s yet another mitigating circumstance for my MP to press them on.

Thank you sweetheart.

Hope it all works out for you both.