My PIP Telephone Assessment Today

Thanks BIS!
I guess I am in the same situation as the majority of PIP claimants!

That of the 'stressful waiting game'!

Good evening to all!
A bit of a strange one here.......

I received a letter from DWP (Belfast Office) advising that they had received all of the necessary documentation to allow them to establish if I met the criteria for PIP. (Remember the PA4 Form indicated that the Health Professional felt that I met the criteria for enhanced for both components). This letter was dated 09/06/22 and I am still waiting for an official decision......

What is strange is the following.......

A chance conversation with a Benefits Advisor yesterday (22/06/22) resulted in my completing an online application for new style ESA, which I had no idea that I qualified for. I have no knowledge or experience of ESA and will download the accompanying guides to enhance my knowledge.

My application was based on the fact that I retired due to ill health in December 2021 and that I was employed with continuous fully paid NI contributions for more than three years. I am in receipt of an occupational pension. (I am 60 in August).

My application was submitted online yesterday, 22/06/22.

Imagine my surprise when I was contacted by HMRC and my Occupational Pension only this morning, advising me to log into my online PAYE account with HRMC due to a notification of Tax Code change.

My PAYE Tax Code for the next financial year has changed, due to the inclusion of an ESA reference, with an estimated ESA annual benefit/income of £5,121!

This prompts so many questions!

Does this mean that my application for ESA was processed, and approved in one day? I find that very hard to believe! I have received no formal contact from DWP with regard to this application.

Can anyone advise how this annual figure has been calculated? It doesn't relate what I have researched with regard to ESA Benefit payments.

Is ESA a Taxable Benefit?

This annual ESA sum/inclusion in my PAYE summary for the next Tax Year has resulted in a reduced sum of £73.40 per month in my Occupational Pension. A lot of money to me.......

Will any award of new style ESA offset this monthly reduction?

How would enhanced rate for both components of PIP (If Decision Maker of DWP were to award this) impact upon ESA? What ESA group would I be placed in?

Has such an application been to my advantage? So confused at the moment........

So many questions, for which I apologise for, but, at the same time, hoping that someone more experienced than I might be in a position to shed a bit of light on!

Thank you so much in advance!

Many thanks for responding Gary!

The Benefits Advisor that provided such advice was a representative of CISWO: The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation. I was an ex coal miner and this organisation contacted me on an entirely different matter before providing the ESA advice.

I am quite surprised that my application was received and approved in 24 hours, with DWP contacting HMRC before me!

I shall keep you updated!

Many thanks!

Hi,
I got the exact info and it went 7weeks, good luck

Thanks Caz1!
Notwithstanding the challenge of completing and submitting PIP and ESA applications, the waiting period is a lottery!

We hear of hear of PIP applications taking 6 weeks from initial application to decision, yet I am close to 7 months and still no decision.

Yet HMRC can commence taking tax from my Occupational Pension immediately, for ESA benefits I may be waiting a further two months to receive! DWP certainly on the ball there! No waiting for HMRC!

Apologies for the rant! Just feeling worn down by it all!