Many recipients of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) have been left in the dark about why their payments didn't come through on schedule.
If you are still missing a payment, this is likely a delay from the spring bank holiday, on Monday, May 27.
When the required length of time has passed and your payment still hasn't come, here's what you should do to find out more information.
What do you have to do to get ESA payments?
ESA applications are either made online or by calling your local JobCentre Plus.
After submitting your application, you'll receive a call from someone instructing you on how and when to provide the evidence.
If you’re eligible, within 10 working days, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will get in touch with you to set up a meeting that you must attend. Typically, a work coach from a nearby Jobcentre Plus office will conduct the interview over the phone.
Your job coach will outline what you must complete in order to receive “new style” ESA. With your co-operation, they will draft a document known as a Claimant Commitment.
Now, before you can get ESA, you must accept your claimant commitment.
At the appointment, you are expected to describe how your condition(s) affects your capacity to work, provide medical documentation, and pledge to notify your local Jobcentre Plus of any changes in your circumstances.
If you're not eligible, you will usually receive a letter outlining the reasons you are ineligible for ESA from the DWP.
How long do ESA payments last?
If you fall within the category of work-related activities, the “new style” and contribution-based ESAs are valid for 365 days.
If you participate in the support group or receive income-related ESA, there is no time limit.
Any change in your circumstances must be reported in order to continue receiving ESA. Regularly sending fit-for-work notes may also be necessary.
If you provide inaccurate or insufficient information, you risk prosecution or a £50 fine.
For income-related ESA, you cannot submit a fresh claim. As long as you are eligible, payments will continue until your claim has ended.
Why could you get a sanction?
If you fail to engage in interviews as outlined in your Claimant Commitment, and as agreed upon with your work coach, your ESA may be decreased. Up to four weeks after you resume work-related activities, this reduction may persist.
You'll receive a letter indicating that you could face sanctions. If you have a valid excuse for failing to follow the instructions in your Claimant Commitment, let your work coach know.
If it is determined that you will get a sanction, you will receive another letter. Once a choice has been made, only then will your benefit change.
If you get Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction, you should get in touch with your local council right away. They’ll advise you on what to do to keep receiving support.
If you get a sanction, you can enquire about the decision being reviewed once more or request a hardship payment.
A hardship payment is a portion of your ESA that is reduced. You are not required to repay it.
If you or your family are unable to pay your rent, heating, food, or other essentials, you may be eligible for a hardship payment. You must be at least 18 years old.
If you participate in the support group, you won't face a sanction.
Who to contact about a late or missing ESA payment
Your best bet is writing or calling the Jobcentre Plus office that pays your ESA — the address is on the letters you get about your ESA.
