Ending ESA the saga continues...

jenzie06

Received ESA last September after going through whole process and tribunal. Process took so long that less than 2 months later the whole application process started again. I only receive NI credits which is now paid for by carer's credit because I now have a child. So decided to end ESA.

I had been sent an appt for medical. I phoned Atos and Jobcentre and followed up with a letter to jobcentre saying I wanted not to persue my claim. Couple of weeks ago I receive a letter saying I'd missed my medical but they accepted my reasons and will send me another appt. Grrr. I ring and was told it was sorted. Less than a week later I get a phone call from arrogant Atos man who was talking out of his bottom. Told me even though my claim was closed I had to have a medical to prove I'd had a child???!!!
Rang Jobcentre, told claim would be closed. Promise.

I then receive P45 saying claim closed from 24th March 2011 YAY!
Then two more letters arrive. One saying no ESA has been paid before 24th March, the other saying that the DWP can no longer give me ESA because I'd been to a medical and found fit for work! I ring to say err no both totally incorrect please change. 'Helpline' woman (not very helpfully) said to send a letter (cause it worked so well last time).

What the hell do I have to do to talk to someone in the DWP who actually has a brain?

coco67

hand it all to your local MP and let them deal with it, show them what incompitent muppets atos/esa are

tkachev

What a frustrating nightmare! Are ou giving up on esa because of all the cr*p you had to endure last time?

Also how would you be expected to prove you have had a child at your medical. The mind boggles!!!!!!

Good luck and sorry life is against those in so much pain..

Elizabeth

tillytop

Oh Jenzie you do wonder don't you about the total incompetence of these people! The government goes on about the need to save money and yet their incompetence and sky high costs to administer such an unwieldy and inefficient scheme must cost a fortune! Hope the letter has the desired effect.

Tilly xxx

jenzie06

And another medical appt from the lovely Atos today.
Rang Atos and was told they would keep sending me medical appts until the jobcentre contact them. Another shirty bloke who refuse to talk to the Jobcentre.
Rang the jobcentre and asked to speak to a manager, was told one would ring me back within 5-10 mins. An hour later I rang again and actually (after a bit of negotiations i.e yelling) spoke to a lovely helpful manager who has apparently sorted it.

It will have to be seen to be believed!