THE FULL FACTS

Hi, I'm new...
I'm being switched over to ESA from Income support for sickness, and while that's leaving me feeling very low and things... the one thing I need to ask right now is, what do I do about the fact I honestly can't find the envelope to return the form in? Should I call ATOS...? I'm a bit worried that if I do they'll think of it as some excuse to stop my benefit...

Phone them (DWP) up and ask for the freepost address.

Contact Jobcentre Plus and they should be able to help you. Make sure you tell them you are sending a ESA50 form.

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Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) - Download PDF .
• ESA50 (03/11) - Download PDF.
• ESA113 (03/11) - Download PDF (DWP Form to Dr to Complete for ESA).

Information:

• Claim Form and medical guide - (Download PDF).
• The Full Facts - Advocacy support list.
• Support Group Criteria.

Welcome to the forum Bananacustard,

The ESA form goes back to ATOS not the DWP the address is on the letter that came with your ESA50 form.

If you cant find the original letter or envelope, they do send a reminder, however you can use this link to find your regional office address from the 'choose location" drop down menu.

http://uk.atos.net/en-uk/about_us/locations/default.htm

you could also email ATOS customer relations to check the address of your regional office.
customer-relations@atoshealthcare.com

Make sure you make copies of your form and all your supporting evidence, and send it signed for or special delivery so you can track its progress.

I note you have an issue with a name change add a letter with your form notifying them of the change and also send this your local DWP paying office, and make sure you annotate any copies of medical evidence supplied with both names. and always make sure NI is on every page.

Have a search through the forums there is a wealth of information and people going through the same or similar situations who will offer advice and support as they are able.

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Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) - Download pdf
• ESA50 2013 NEW - Download pdf
• ESA113 (03/11) - Download pdf (DWP Form sent to Dr to complete for ESA)

Information:

• Claim Form and medical guide - (Download pdf)
• The Full Facts - Advocacy support list
• Support Group Criteria
• ilegal guide to ESA50 questionnaire
• Turn2us - access to Benefits and Grants
• Contact your local MP
• WCA handbook pdf Revised 2013
• ATOS official complaints procedure pdf

Keep calm and carry on.

Hi thanks for the information, I sent it July 27th special delivery as it had to back by August 1st, hopefully it got to the right place, I've had a few "withheld number" calls today.. bit worried...
I used another envelope I found, which.. it had the same address as the one my mum had for her ESA50 so hopefully it's fine... we'll probably see come Wednesday if I get money or not..

In the supporting evidence from my councillor, which I hope said enough... it only confirmed my condition, but didn't go into detail on how it affects me, which I'm worried will make it not really enough for them, but anyway.. it starts in my old name and goes on to explain my new name first. I also put my NI and things on the top. So hopefully they understand this...

I've been reading the forum a lot, I'm having a lot of trouble keeping my mind off it all, like right now.. can't sleep at all...

Hi Bananacustard,
Glad you got delivery sorted, you can check online at royal mail tracking to see if its been received and print off or keep a copy of the delivery.

ATOS usually take a month or two to contact you with an appointment, so your money shouldn't be affected if the delivery above was successful.

eg: Previously I returned form Mid Oct and heard Mid Dec regarding an appointment. (to give you a rough timescale)

If you are worried that the supporting letter did not give enough information about how your disability affect you, you can always elaborate on anything you sent or submitted, make sure you put the usual name (s) and NI no on each page and either take it on the day and tell the HCP you would like the further information read and taken into consideration and also submitted with HCP report and ESA50 to the DM during your WCA. (You can write this on the addition information list)

Try not to fret in the meantime.

BTW ATOS / DWP do not withhold number usually, they cannot leave messages due to data protection.

_________________
Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) - Download pdf
• ESA50 2013 NEW - Download pdf
• ESA113 (03/11) - Download pdf (DWP Form sent to Dr to complete for ESA)

Information:

• Claim Form and medical guide - (Download pdf)
• The Full Facts - Advocacy support list
• Support Group Criteria
• ilegal guide to ESA50 questionnaire
• Turn2us - access to Benefits and Grants
• Contact your local MP
• WCA handbook pdf Revised 2013
• ATOS official complaints procedure pdf

Keep calm and carry on.

to the forum BananaCustard.

To give you an idea of time scale, I sent my ESA50 back on 13th March and heard back at the end of June, but some people hear back within a month.

If you can get a supporting letter from your GP, that would be a big help for your case, as would any hospital appointment letters and reports from any consultants or nurses.

And as Kab has said, send copies, write your NI number on them, and send it recorded signed for.

I know it's difficult, but try not too worry about it for now.

_________________
Tendo,
Admin
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Useful Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) To Challenge a DWP Decision - Download PDF
• ESA50 (03/11) Claim Form and Guide - Download PDF
• ESA113 (03/11) DWP Form to Dr to Complete for ESA - Download PDF

Useful Information:

• ABC's to the Claim Form and Medical Guide - (Download PDF)
• The Full Facts - Advocacy Support List
• Support Group Descriptors
• Mylegal Guide to ESA50 Questionnaire
• Turn2us - Access to Benefits and Grants
• Contact Your Local MP
• WCA handbook pdf

http://www.EndoSistersUK.thefullfacts.com

Letter came today... medical assessment is due for the 27th in Croydon (Anyone got experience with that one?)... scary. I guess I should take medication with me.. and probably the same letter I sent to them with the form (Cause I just get this feeling they'll have no knowledge of it ect ..)