Hi, I have to send several bank statements along with a esa3 form to see if entitled to any ir ESA back pay. Id like to know if anyone else has sent bank statements to the DWP and what happens to the statements afterward as I'm worried about the DWP losing them.
Do they get returned to you? Thanks.
Hi, I have to send several bank statements along with a esa3 form to see if entitled to any ir ESA back pay. Id like to know if anyone else has sent bank statements to the DWP and what happens to the statements afterward as I'm worried about the DWP losing them.
Do they get returned to you? Thanks.
They should be returned to you. pmlindyloo Posts: 13,061 Forumite
You must send the original bank statements and not copies although statements printed from online accounts are acceptable.
I would be inclined to pencil my NI number on each sheet (double guarantee!)
And yes, they should be returned to you.
Wacko18 Posts: 40 ForumiteOK thank you. Are you sure I have to send the original bank statements as someone said I shouldn't send originals but to send copies of them instead. Also do I have to provide the return envelope.
Lastly my form will probably be returned several days late now due to severe illness and xmas etc, will that count against me?
Thanks.
Yes it has to be originals when sending bank statements to DWP and no you don't need to put an envelope inside.
I wouldn't worry about the form being returned late, just ring them to tell them it's been sent.
Ok thanks poppy. Will do.
I've just had a quick recheck of the reminder letter they sent me about returning the esa3 form and on page 3 it says. "Any documents you send can be originals or copies. If you do not have the information please call us on the number at top of the letter etc etc.
So that's got me a bit confused now as you say it has to be the originals, or does sending copies apply on line copies.
[Deleted User] Posts: 0 Newbie
I've looked at the esa3 form again and at the back it says send originals and on the reminder letter it says originals or copies. I hate dealing with the DWP grrr.
And the fact they could get mislaid is a big worry for me as it has all my details and account number on them and I worry about it getting into the wrong hand.
All this worry just for an extra £1 a week.. I would just leave it but I don't think the DWP will leave me alone now.
Happy new year anyway.
I'm not sure how they would know if they are originals or copies anyway.
All mail sent to the dwp is scanned into a computer system at one of the Regional Mail Handling departments where this sort of mail goes to. So it is actually Royal Mail employees who appear to handle the documents. All the dwp and the Decision Makers see are what appears on the screen.
Over the last couple of years both I and my husband have had to send in various documents to dwp including bank statements. Only on one occasion have they been returned to us and the dwp didn't even know they had returned them. We have been told over the phone that they are being kept in a secure place, shredded or destroyed.
I never send originals anymore, they get copies and no one seems to be any the wiser.
"All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well."
