I did receive a premium whilst on IB but it stopped when it changed to ESA but I think it got added to it. I rang ESA to check on the legitimacy of the review as a friend said it sounded strange. The ESA officer also agreed it sounded suss and checked my file. He said I was selected for an SAU in August, and that it can take them that long to call out. So it wouldn't have anything to do with the loan. I have no idea what a standard assessment is, other than to check that I am receiving the correct benefit. But I am glad now that I havent done anything wrong and maybe calm down a bit re giving the bank statements.

Hi Thanks for replying, no I have no other savings, I live on what income I receive and it barely covers everything. I think I get contribution ESA as I was on incapacity benefit and had been for quite a long time but it changed a good few months ago and they wrote to me to say I didn't need to attend interviews etc due to my illness not needing me to do so. And also because i was in receipt of DLA. I was worried that as I had received the money that my bank informed them or something and that I wasn't allowed it. I am unable to get credit of any sort so this was the only possible way. It also didn't stay in my account as once received it was spent.

MY friend in Australia has lent me money which totaled £4500 so as I could buy a car and some christmas items, but in the midst of it the ESA review officer has asked to see bank statements, I never declared it and it was very recent, within the past 6 weeks and was in 3 installments. I will be setting up a standing order after Christmas to pay him back. Will this effect my review and will I get in trouble? I never stopped to think at all about any of this as I just saw it as what it is, a loan. Now I am having panic attacks galore, other than that I am not too worried about the review.