ESA processing time & crisis loans

[ghost whistler]

How long does an ESA claim take to process?

If i need to claim a crisis loan, can i do it over the phone (if i can't afford to travel to the jobcentre) and have it paid into a bank account?

Thanks.

[osdset]

it took about five weeks to process mine mainly because the DWP lost my medical certificate, and the jobcentre failed to close my claim for JSA.

I did not know at the time but there is a better way to submit the certificate, you phone the DWP and ask them to book an appointment at your local jobcentre they scan the certificate and fax it over you get a copy for your records.

 

Crisis loans are done over the phone but In my experience a visit to the jobcentre to collect the giro was required, I was not given a direct into the bank option.

[ghost whistler]

The DWP website says that direct payments should be available. Typically of course they say one thing and mean something else. As somone in a rural area, my concern would be, if i came off JSA and started claiming ESA, that I would need a crisis loan because i won't have enough money to cover the time taken to process ESA and that I would also need the money to collect a crisis loan.

 

And that's assuming they allow you one at all.

[ErikaPNP]

Yes, crisis loans can be paid into an account on the same day instead of being collected in person. They are known as FEPs (Fast Electronic Payments). You would be applying under the 'alignment to benefit' rules. The number to call is 0800 032 7952 and is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, but be aware that they will probably be closed for a time over the Festive Period.

 

ESA processing times at the moment are targeted for within 14 working days.

[ghost whistler]

Are these fast electtronic payments subject to discretion?

[flumps1976]

Not every account is suitable for FEP credits so it isn't discretion but if the account allows it.

[ghost whistler]

why would an account not allow it?

[antone]

why would an account not allow it?

 

Usually technical reasons, I think. Most current accounts at the big banks are fine. Main exception I recall was Nationwide.

 

Benefit processers have some discretion over FEPs, but it's not likely to be an issue with a Crisis Loan since that's usually urgent pretty much by definition.

[ghost whistler]

As i'm with britains worst bank, santander, I can assume that such things aren't going to be compatible.

[antone]

From memory, Santander accepts FEPs for most of its accounts. It's been a while since I dealt with this, though, so I can't be certain. In most cases if you have a sort code and 8 (or 9) digit account number it will work, but an account with only a roll number will not. This isn't a hard and fast rule, though.

[ErikaPNP]

A FEP payment cannot be refused for a Crisis Loan unless of course the account provider does not accept FEP payments or the system for processing it is not functional (rarely). It was introduced specifically for Crisis Loans in May of 2010.