ESA payment query

[Sundrops]

My first time claiming benefits, I've been approved for new style ESA and waiting for approval for the support group as I am currently having chemotherapy for breast cancer. Payment was due on June 11th, but hasn't gone into my account, I've spent hours trying to speak to someone on the phone, but I'm literally on hold for hours.Does anyone have any suggestions how to get through, or why I wouldnt have received the payment? We are really struggling on one salary now, I've also had a pip call last week but was told it could be weeks before any decision is made.
Thank you for any suggestions ♥️

Anyone?!

I think you just have to keep phoning unfortunately. Maybe get several people on different phones in case one person gets cut off? It's horrible and PIP can take forever but it sounds like you might get fast tracked from what you've said. In the mean time can you borrow money or get a loan of some sort? There are various hardship loans and Maggies or MacMillan may do a small grant. I'm in Scotland and got a few hundred pounds when I was diagnosed with cancer. It's not much but it helped a little. So sorry you're suffering.

I work in this dept. We're inundated with phone calls ATM, calling dead on 8am is your best bet or popping to the local jobcentre who can send an internal communication. Have you sent up to date fit notes? This is the common cause.

Have you had the initial commitments chat on the phone? Not missed any calls from them? Have they definitely got the correct bank account details? And as per above comment have you submitted a fit note?

Thank you, I will try and go tomorrow to the jobcentre in town,I have been waiting in for a delivery today, tried calling but again just waiting and waiting!
I have sent all required fit notes as well.
I didn't realise they opened at 8am, I presumed 9am, so I'll also try calling early before I go into town to see if I can get through then. I appreciate your suggestions, thank you.

Yes, I've had the initial call with them, and sent off the additional document to prove I'm eligible for the support group. I've had a letter from them saying I've been approved for the basic rate, and that the payment I will initially receive will be basic rate until they make a decision on the support group rate (this should be automatic I believe, as I'm undergoing cancer treatment, and the form has a page that is completed by a medical professional) so I know the initial payment would only be the basic rate anyway until the support group eligibility is confirmed.
I've definitely not missed any calls or voicemails, and I've received the letter saying it's approved and also it mentions the bank branch and location-i guess untill I can actually speak to someone I'm unsure how I could check bank details, but I double/triple checked that when I completed all previous information.
All fit notes submitted as well.
Thank you for your suggestions!

I honestly didn't know how long it takes to speak to someone, it's difficult having to deal with all of this while I'm having treatment, some days I'm just so exhausted I have to go to bed, and sitting on the phone for hours is just not possible. We have taken a mortgage break already and now paying interest only. My employer have not been helpful, and actually their actions have meant I have applied for benefits much later than I could have done-unfortunately that is a whole other story. Thank you for your suggestions as well

Yeah, I'm long term disabled and it's impossible. A lot of disabled people have lost their benefits because they're too tired or disabled to do all the calling required. It's barbaric and shouldn't be used against people like that. Good luck - if we had a better system people wouldn't have to go through all this.

Now that almost everyone on the old ESA has transferred or abut to transfer to UC, this should reduce this problem for many as any questions and problems can be addressed by the UC journal. I understand the type of ESA that op is claiming is different but it really only leaves New style ESA ( which op is claiming) and PIP where you have to ring up now. I appreciate it's frustrating .

You need to keep phoning. The jobcentre directly probably can't help as they don't control payments.

If they promised you the payment on that date in writing then it's obviously a hold up or error on their part.

These aren't especially uncommon sadly. But just stay on hold for hours if you have to.

Once they've decided on the award they wouldn't intentionally just not pay you. Though they're not that well run as an organisation.

And write down all the questions you want answered. Why is it delayed, how much will I get, obviously I need it asap so when will it be in my account etc.

But loads of people aren't eligible for UC in account of having a partner who earns or savings. We're forced to talk on the phone or pay others to do it for us which uses up half the money we get to help us.

Being on hold for hours is normal. I used to tell people to get a cup of tea and have a sit down with your phone and something to occupy you, and assume you won’t get through for a couple of hours. If you have that in your head and you are prepared it’s less frustrating! As pp says phoning first thing can help minimise waiting times if that’s possible for you.