ESA Form: posting for last day acceptance

Hi, I've checked the forum to see if this specific question in on it

I am hoping to get my ESA form in by the 30th and have taken your advice and will post it tomorrow with guaranteed delivery, however when I rang the DWP they said as long as a note was put in explaining why it was a little late, eg, waiting for medical evidence, then it would be ok. but, is this right, your guides and all other one's say they will stop the claim if they don't get it on the day, and i haven't had it on record. i am aware that it will take a few days to get on record by the DWP

the DWP guy seemed ok, but I can't take the risk of having my claim

Unfortunately we have heard of people who have been told, on the phone, that they would be given an 'extension' so that the form could be returned late - only to have their benefit abruptly stopped when the form is not in on time (we have a member to whom this has happened recently). For this reason, we advise members to ignore any assurances they are given on the phone and make every effort to get the forms in on time.

kontext wrote:

Hi, I've checked the forum to see if this specific question in on it

I am hoping to get my ESA form in by the 30th and have taken your advice and will post it tomorrow with guaranteed delivery, however when I rang the DWP they said as long as a note was put in explaining why it was a little late, eg, waiting for medical evidence, then it would be ok. but, is this right, your guides and all other one's say they will stop the claim if they don't get it on the day, and i haven't had it on record. i am aware that it will take a few days to get on record by the DWP

the DWP guy seemed ok, but I can't take the risk of having my claim

Hi kt,

There is no provision in law for extending the 4 week deadline to fill in and return the ESA50, see:

How long do I have to complete the ESA50?

Is would be wise not to believe all that is said over the phone.

Don't forget that once your ESA50 is returned, you can always submit further evidence to ATOS, by posting it to the same address as your ESA50.

Include a covering letter stating that you wish this extra evidence to be taken into account along with your ESA50 when assessing you.

Make sure you put your name, DOB and NINO at the head of all extra pages.

bro58

thanks for replies, I will send it tomorrow, guaranteed delivery, I believe if is signed for on the day, the 30th, it will be accepted as on time..

Oh, I have another question, are ATOS medicals ever on Saturdays?, I need to put on the form, that i will be away and would prefer to put only say two days, thurs/friday

kontext wrote:

Oh, I have another question, are ATOS medicals ever on Saturdays?, I need to put on the form, that i will be away and would prefer to put only say two days, thurs/friday

Hi kt,

I do believe that ATOS are carrying out "Medicals" at the weekend, so it may be prudent to mention your availability.

bro58