So I have been assesed as fit for work any 1 else lost income support or esa because of the stupid new regs

[adelesmith]

[auntylizard]

Are you going to fight it? I would suggest taking it all the way to tribunal although that may take sometime

[Mammagee]

I had a tribunal on Monday and got a letter Tuesday to say I had been turned down........I just really dont understand how I am supposed to hold down a job when I spend at least 2 - 4 days in bed about 3 times a month, can I just go in and say "going home now, I'm tired" also, what are the implications of being in employment and I hurt myself due to fatigue or pain?

[ZoeH]

I scored 0 points for the medical for my ESA. I appealed it instantly but it took near a year for the tribunal to take place (actually only last Monday)

The rule is, you need to think like its your worse day, not what you can do if you are well enough. I made the mistake in the medical of being positive about just what i can do when i am fit enough, even though i did make it clear that those days are few and far between. At the tribunal, i answered what i can do thinking of my worst days. They stopped me 2 questions in (there are 21 in total and you need to score 15 to keep your benefits) to tell me there was no need to continue, i had reached the 15 and my appeal was excepted. In and out in 15 minutes.

Appeal instantly, you will keep you benefits should it be excepted (i sent my with a note from my GP) as you await your tribunal. Make sure you attend the tribunal with evidence, proving beyond all reasonable doubt that you have fibro and you will keep your benefits. My evidence included letters from GP, pain clinic specialist, pain psychologist and chiropractor. Basically, whoever sees you for your condition, get them to write you a letter. The DWP recognises Fibro as a disability, so as long as you can prove you have it, they cant take away your benefits!

[kavqc]

I have just sent my medical questionnaire in, But I am fighting for Disability Living Allowence as they took iit off me last may, because I can walk with crutches thats on a good day they dont look at how yoou live everyday life. I volunteer with vunerable adults in doing my PGCE to teach basic skills one day is enough for me it kills me the following day I am in bed not being able to move because of the pain and the tiredness that I can never get rid of. I also lost the use of my upper right arm and my legs go from underneath me with no warning I have had so many falls down the stairs and elswhere that I am lucky I have no serious injuries YET.

[miss1968]

hi there yes i am awaiting a tribunal date in may as i was declared fit for work by atos and i appealed and lost and now going to tribunal x

[nadine1974]

i got assesed for esa and put in the support (top) cateorgary. my friend got refused and is appealing, they have put her on reduced benefits until the appeal is heard (august). if she wins they will back pay the benefit, the amount she gets at mo is the same as jobseekers.

[bertie121]

Did you see the link posted about BBC Watchdog

fibroaction.healthunlocked....

[kenco]

am also waiting to go to tribunal after i failed medical and considered fit for work

[Hidden]

Hiya, I've just found this group this morning.

I'm Sue, I'm 60 this year and as lots of you have said, feel 90. I'm married and my husband has been in a nursing home for the past 6 years as he's got advanced alzheimer's. He was 55 when he went in. 50 when I noticed the signs.

I'm working and on a very low hourly rate as I'm self employed as a childminder. I work 40 hours pw and look after 2 children.

A friend who works for the alzheimer's society filled in a dla form for me 2 weeks ago and did it very well, explaining about 'me on my worst days' without lying but after reading posts on here, I don't think I'll bother sending it off. I have had my doubts, I'm sure I won't get it as I'm not having to use walking aids which is why I haven't done it already but I couldn't live on that money even if I did get it which. I ache like mad all day and was diagnosed in August at Hinchingbroke.

My job is really hard work at my age let alone having fibromyalgia and arthritis. I don't feel I'm giving enough to the kids because I can't get get on the floor and roll around with them as I used to but if I were to give up my job, I wouldn't have enough to live on. It's a hard enough decision to make isn't it without having fibro and not being able to think straight most days. On top of the work, the paperwork is now a nightmare for me, I just can't concentrate on it and there is sooo much of it to do every day. As someone said earlier, the paperwork/forms just look like squiggles.

Being born in 1952 means I have to work till I'm nearly 63 to get my pension and I know I can't. I doubt if I'd get another job at my age either.

Sorry I've waffled, I seem to do that all the time these days.

[FionaP in reply to Hidden]

Do fill in the form you have nothing to loose. I used a walking stick when I was first awarded DLA and was awarded the high rate for getting around. You may get a lower rate but still get something and for the care component. It can make such a difference. I am waiting for the result of my renewal application and dreading loosing it. But id I do I intend on appealing until I get it. Go for it and do it as your worst days. If your in pain walking - you cannot walk at all without pain. It has to be that clear for them. Best of luck