ESA -

I am a 51 year old female with a 25 year plus career in nursing (NHS) and medical admin.
20 year plus history of failed back surgery and everything in between!
Applied (IR) ESA 8 Oct 2012. Assessment rate 11 Oct 2012.
Received a reminder letter Dec 2012 re sending back completed ESA50. No form received so
phoned DWP BDC who sent another (no covering letter) with pre paid envelope to BDC.
Sent form back in Dec 2012. Phoned DWP Dec 2012 who verbally advised they had 'sent it to ATOS'.
No correspondence from DWP (bar new rates letter 2013). No correspondence from ATOS.
Contacted DWP via phone numerous times over this period because of no payment and a fit note not being received. Payment up to date now. Fit note Apr 2013 from GP for another 3 months.
Since Dec 2012 condition has worsened. Have had to wait weeks (and months) for NHS appts etc.
ie: now completely dependent on using crutches to move around in and outside, started new medications (side effects), not able to use public transport (non driver) - along with other issues.

Its been months since completing the ESA50 - who (and how) do I contact to update the situation?
Seems excessive wait for ATOS assessment - can I contact anyone as to why?
Still on assessment rate - not had ATOS assessment therefore not in either group - once assessment is done are there any back payments?

Thanks for any replies - I hope my blurb makes sense.

Minimas

Hi minimas,

I would not expect you to hear from DWP again until a decision has been made about your ESA, the ball is now in ATOs's court. It is not unusual to wait some months before hearing from ATOS but your wait has been rather long, I suggest you contact ATOS and ask them what is happening - you can do this by phone 0800 2888 777 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

For claimants being migrated from IB it is usual for the ESA payment to start a month or so after the decision is made. As long as you are granted ESA, in either group, you will not receive less than you do on IB

What will I be paid?

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