URGENT HELPwriting in Response to First ESA Letter

Hi all,

I am writing because I searched the forums for this last week and could not find an answer. My question is this:-

I have just received my letter to tell me that I am being migrated from Income Support to ESA and the letter says that I have to telephone them within 7 days to verify who I am and then they will send me the ESA 50 to fill out. I have to phone them because they have no telephone number for me and I do not wish to give them one.

I tried to phone them three times last week on their 0845 number and on every occasion I was waiting for 40 minutes without getting through and it was getting very expensive. On the last occasion it was witnessed by my support worker and she made a note of it.

I was told that I could do the whole transaction in writing on this forum if I wanted. I suppose I should write to the address at the top of the letter which is the Exeter Benefit Centre or is there another central address I should write to?

Also does anyone know the questions they ask about this on the phone? Exactly what information they are looking for? That would help as then I would know what to put in the letter.

I am still going to have to spend £5.00 on Special Delivery to make sure the letter gets there within the 7 days specified otherwise the letter says my benefits could be affected.

I really would appreciate any advice you could give.

Many thanks in advance,

Avalon

avalon wrote:

Hi all,

I am writing because I searched the forums for this last week and could not find an answer. My question is this:-

I have just received my letter to tell me that I am being migrated from Income Support to ESA and the letter says that I have to telephone them within 7 days to verify who I am and then they will send me the ESA 50 to fill out. I have to phone them because they have no telephone number for me and I do not wish to give them one.

I tried to phone them three times last week on their 0845 number and on every occasion I was waiting for 40 minutes without getting through and it was getting very expensive. On the last occasion it was witnessed by my support worker and she made a note of it.

I was told that I could do the whole transaction in writing on this forum if I wanted. I suppose I should write to the address at the top of the letter which is the Exeter Benefit Centre or is there another central address I should write to?

Also does anyone know the questions they ask about this on the phone? Exactly what information they are looking for? That would help as then I would know what to put in the letter.

I am still going to have to spend £5.00 on Special Delivery to make sure the letter gets there within the 7 days specified otherwise the letter says my benefits could be affected.

I really would appreciate any advice you could give.

Many thanks in advance,

Avalon

Hi A,

You do not have to take this phonecall, or give them your phone number.

Please see page 6 onwards of the :

Being transferred from incapacity benefit to employment and support allowance.

First link on this page :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

And in particular page 9 regarding the phonecall itself.

The important this to bear in mind is that you should contact them if you have not received your ESA50 within around 14 days of receipt of your initial migration letter, to ensure it has not got lost in the post.

bro58

Many thanks. I will do it now since I have to post that letter today!

What a brilliant website this is and such great moderators!

Many thanks again!

With regards,

Avalon