ESA - decision by tel ?

Hi All ,

Just wondered if anyone has experienced a DWP call confirming claimant is eligible for ESA as meets CB criteria. BUT the agent called to ask if i wanted to close the claim? Agent advised claim was valid, but claim wouldn't make any 'material' difference, bec of active UC claim.
I haven't received a letter to confirm the conversation. I'm wondering if I did the right thing to close claim based on the information giving by the agent. What's the impact if any ?
I've called Ben Enq line to follow up . but unable to speak to anyone.

should i be concerned ? reapply ? put complaint in ?

Hi David ,

Thanks for breaking down the areas for consideration. I'm acting as appointee and wanted to ensure my decision was in best interest of clmt. on the whole the difference is in the NI class - clmt only gets class 3 . i'll look into this to understand longterm impact . Clmt is young man working age. Capital/savings/ partner don't factor in immediate future.

i felt like agent was of the 'slopey shoulder' type. tell tale red flags ie what they didnt explain n lack of folo thru are indicators.

hi Forumtees

After submitting sons PIP appeal and PIP review this month, i was prompted to go back and check on the ESA claim we made back in Nov 24 , when son left work due to health.

I called DWP and asked for a copy of the decision letter. As per my post , i only recvd decision by call and was talked into closing claim on the basis that call.

The agent said there was no record of a claim for ESA in my sons name. This was a red flag to me ! The agent i spoke to tried to suggest i had my bens mixed up or confused.

Anyhow , moral of this episode is never ever make a decision over the phone, under pressure or assume a letter will follow to confirm the conversation.

Agent said he would follow up and send an email on my behalf to 'the dept' that looks into it .... whatever that maybe. i am not holding my breath

Any pointers on next steps and who to contact to escalate the issue ...... ?

many thanks in advance peeps