ESA UPDATE

[Kasha]

Just wanted to let those that are interested know that I got the ATOS decision overturned and got my ESA without having to go to tribunal, BUT, the letter they've sent does not tell me if I am in WRAG group or support....fingers crossed its support but I somehow doubt it

[fyrefly]

Great news

[Kasha]

thanks

[esagestapo]

Wonders never cease, well done Kasha. If you don't mind me asking, how long did it take the DWP to review your claim?

[Kasha]

Thanks, I am not sure exactly but I think its been around 4/6 weeks

[esagestapo]

Cheers Kasha, that's not to bad I suppose, I sent my form off for reconsideration just over a week ago, I hope I am as lucky as you.

[kinnylou in reply to esagestapo]

I sent mine off in January and only got mine back last week!

[Kasha]

I hope so, I was expecting a real fight and was prepared to fight too, so it was a relief and pleasant surprise to get their decision reversed. I think it was the letter from my GP that did it (The letter that I wrote and asked my GP to sign :-)) if you can have a look at my other questions, the one about "a must read" it might be useful if you have to appeal (hoping you wont have to though) let me know how you go on x

[esagestapo in reply to Kasha]

I sure will, I am seeing my GP next Tuesday to get a letter and cert, so at least I will get paid, minus the component rate, if it goes to appeal again.

[cowsrock]

That is great ?? I am on an appeal now just waiting for my docs to sort out my important notes, xrays, mri scans to send off to them only got to the 26th to sort it.

Cowsrock x

[esagestapo in reply to cowsrock]

I saw my GP yesterday, she wasn't pleased to hear the only reason for my visit was to get a medical cert, actually we had a little bit of an argument about it so I did not ask for a letter as well. Seeing her reaction, I thought I might be pushing my luck to request a letter at that moment in time. I gave her a copy of the Black Triangle letters before I left, to see what she thinks, I am still waiting for her opinion on that.

If the DWP do not reconsider, then I will need a letter for Tribunal. I got the most important document for now, the medical cert. And an appointment letter for XRay, which I have to arrange myself.

So I am going through the same process again 2 years on, to update my medical records, once I have an XRay etc, then my GP should be OK with writing a letter for me.

I will post the medical cert to the benefit centre today, to get some money coming through soon, payment at the assessment rate is better than nothing. My last payment of ESA was on the 12th April 2013 that's nearly 4 weeks without any money to live on.

I have sufficient savings to get me through this, and pledges from family should I need any money in the meantime, so the DWP can't kill me that easy. The fighting fund is healthy, even if nothing else is.

[Kasha]

ahhh its just not fair that we should have to fight like this, especially when we need every oz of energy we have! I phoned ESA today because they let me know id got their decision changed but were showing no signs of letting me know if I was in wrag group or support group...im in the wrag group... wouldn't be lucky enough to be put in support group straight off

I volunteer one afternoon a fortnight at our local food bank and nearly every person that comes through has had benefits stopped, suspended, changed...the whole system is a mess and those that haven't got savings or family are literally starving....my savings are gone now but at least I have got the assessment rate coming in for now (I was told it could take up to 12 weeks for me to get onto the proper WRAG rate) I am just thankful for small mercies Good luck xx

[esagestapo in reply to Kasha]

They won't put you in SG if you told them you work as a volunteer, the idea of WRAG is to ease people back into work gradually, doing a few hours a week if and when they feel up to it. The only problem with this idea is, no companies that I know of hire staff on the basis that they might turn up for work.

I think the DWP has some scheme in place for claimants to get loans until benefit is restored, they must give people some money for food by law. Hopefully you will have a nice payday soon when they finally get round to paying the component arrears they owe. Try to put some aside for a fighting fund if you can.

[Kasha]

I didnt tell them lol

[esagestapo in reply to Kasha]

Very wise Kasha