45 points in medical but

[Lillith]

still not in support group! Tis pathetic. Appealing but got no fighting spirit left.

[SootyB]

I don't understand how they work these things out - does anyone else have a clue?

Don't lose heart just yet!

Sara xx

[Lillith in reply to SootyB]

Thanks Sara. You need 33 points to get in the support group and at least one descriptor - which I didn't get, should have done though as I get high rate mobility (at the moment!) and my hands aren't any good. Atos doctor even put that I drove there when I've never been able to drive due to health issues.

I won't give up just yet but have lost all interest in gathering evidence from the NHS to prove to the DWP what they say. I saw a rheumatologist last week, he had never heard of ATOS or even the DWP, I had to explain how I have to prove to the government what the government has said about me - he did not understand or care, and I don't blame him.

Thanks again Sara, I won't lose heart yet. xxx

[Celticmoon in reply to Lillith]

Hi there... I thought, as someone else said below, that you needed FIFTEEN points to qualify for ESA support group...??? Please would you be kind enough to explain what it is you mean by your explanation, it would be ever so helpful. I also don't understand the term "descriptor"...???

I'm sorry that you had such a bad experience with ATOS, they seem to have different rules for different people/areas - you just don't know where you are!!! It's unforgivable that they were deceitful on their assessment of you too - I hope you manage to sort that out. I also think that people like the rheumatologist that you saw need a good dose of reality - they need to care about their patients & actually consider them as a whole person, after all our bodies & minds are inexplicably linked & living conditions DO have a significant impact on our health...

I am so glad that you are not losing heart - keep strong.

xx

[Lillith in reply to Celticmoon]

Hiya, thank you for your kind support. You are so right in saying that our bodies and minds are linked, my illness is much worse because of stress and grief but these factors are never considered. I am also being terrorised by a mentally ill neighbour, the police have little power so I am left 'coping'.

Just found out that ATOS are sponsors to the Paralympics - such a joke, as I am registered disabled and appealling against them - feels surreal!

You are right saying 15 points but thats just for the WRAG group, under 15 points means back to the Jobcentre. To get in the Support group you need 33 points and one descriptor. Descriptors are levels set by ATOS (constantly changing!) that a client must meet in order to qualify for the groups. For example.......if you cannot mobilise 50m without experiencing severe pain or discomfort........this will get you in the Support group but if it says 100m that will only get you in the WRAG group.

It is very complicated, especially with Fibrofog. I joined a site called Benefits and Work, a great site with lots of information.

I am not against this system but the Tories have rushed it through before it was ready and we are the ones who are suffering.

Thank you again, sorry I'm not great at explaining things, I will fight on till I drop then carry on fighting from the floor!

xxxx

[webby]

i do not understand how this happens do not give up kick camerons ass xxxx

[Lillith in reply to webby]

Thank webby. If I see him it won't be his ass I'll kick! xxx

[Devonlady]

I just don't get what these people are trying to achieve. Is the idear to get us all so low we give up and end it all? That would save them money indeed. Heartless and insensitive. I think the human rights lawers shoud take some test cases forward to the courts. Disgusting how we are treated.

Don't give up, I know how we all feel like giving up but that is just what the beggers want. What I wouldn't give to sit the government down and roast their unmentionables. Bunch of over paid, posh boys and girls.

[Hidden]

i thought you needed just 15 points or more.or are they just making up the rules as they go along sounds like it.

dont give up and let these people win.

[Midori]

Contact your MP, they want your vote so make 'em work for it!

My MP is very helpful.

Cheers, Midori

[lynnh]

15 points get you into the wrag group Sammy, take a look at the benefits and work site it should explain the system for you. As you probably know already I lost my tribunal and have been chucked off ESA wrag, and from what I have read on the forum I think it takes a miracle to get in the support group. I think the government just want us all to just crawl off under a rock which is pretty much how I feel at the moment, But I will not give up, I am waiting to hear back from my CAB lady re tribunal result but have already reapplied for ESA and gonna do DLA too. Might give MP a go too but don't hold out much hope as he is a bit of a limp biscuit xx