Person claims ESA, gets backdated sick note and asks for full 3 months backdating. Assessment phase rate presumably then starts from the effective date of claim and person is treated as having limited capability for work pending the WCA. At what point would arrears be paid? Colleague has a case where arrears were paid after the WCA.

I can't see a reason for that. The assessment phase is extended where the WCA could not be carrried out within 13 weeks from the date on which s/he is entitled to ESA, to when the LCA determination is made (reg 4 ESA regs). There seems no reason not to pay before WCA because the person, as covered by medical evidence, will be treated as having a limited capabilty for work

(Brian)