ESA appeal incoming

[fibrosam]

Oh god what a mad few months its been

I've seen a nutritionist who has helped identify some major allergies that I didn't even know I had. It has made some help but this weekend... I dunno.. It's all gone to pot.

I have my appeal hearing on Tuesday and I can't sleep for worrying about it. I'm currently in the wrag - but my payments have stopped as I have been on it over 12 months, so I'm hoping they will move me into support group... I know there is a very slim chance.

However my husband has also been laid off from work.. So I know I'm also able to go for income related now.. But I don't wanna confuse things so waiting to see how Tuesday goes.

I'm worried though because due to hubby's now non existent work we are going to have to move in with his parents 500 miles away in Scotland. Stressed. And I've no clue how we will afford to get up there if I don't win. There is a lot riding on this.

Throw into this a car accident (I was at fault - thank you fibro) and ongoing work dilemmas.. And I can't sleep. Something I'm sure a lot of you will feel for. Anybody been through one of these appeals? What should I expect? Is it horrid?

Also. I'm half way through a degree - was planning to become a teacher when I'm better.. Now I'm not so sure. Anyone got any brill ideas on how to decide what to do with the rest of your life when were so ill?

If it matters, I'm on dla, middle care, low mobility.

Sam

[sue59]

I have been to one, and you are in front of a panel of three. They ask you all kinds of questions. Then ask you to wait while they discuss your appeal. Then you get called back in for the result. I found it all a bit of an ordeal, but won my case. This was a few years ago though for IB. I presume it will be just the same. I am debating if to appeal against mine but wonder if I have the strength. Good luck with yours you need a break after all that's going on

[nicwalesuk]

Hi I was wondering how long has it taken for the appeal to come through? As i was on support group and went to a medical june and was put work related group even though i cant walk due to having crps in full right leg leading to hip and need someone around mostly all the time as cant do anything for myself. While i had medical it was a nurse who done it and was over in ten mins as she said i was in too much pain to carry on. I was not asked about history of depression and how much worse it has gone since my crps as it is ir reversable and need someone with me at all times out doors as i keep falling so much and when she asked questions she gave answers i had to just say yes verbal to her. I am on high disability and middle care as not as much needed in night. When medical report came back it said on last page i was unfit to work and would only deteriate in the future. At the moment its been 3 months waiting and been told at least another 6 months most prob as it will be reviewed firstly before a board panel. It is making me more anxious and depressed waiting for it to be sorted. Hope all goes well for u this week.

[Devonlady]

I really can't help with answering your question as I haven't been in front of a pannel yet but I so want to give you a big hug. I do know how your feeling as I am not sleeping and on antideppressents due to a review and investigation with HMRC.

Good luck and lots of hugs xx

[Hidden]

Good luck for tomoz mines weds for e.s.a and im crapping myself too.

Alots riding on us winning ours too.

Wot a move to scotland.let us no how you get on.

Hope yre nt going alone.

If taking a handbag let someone else carry it.or wear one over you.

I got told this.also make them understand any depression etc you get points for that.x

Devonlady im sorry yre going through all this .x

[Hidden]

Good luck for tomoz mines weds for e.s.a and im crapping myself too.

Alots riding on us winning ours too.

Wot a move to scotland.let us no how you get on.

Hope yre nt going alone.

If taking a handbag let someone else carry it.or wear one over you.

I got told this.also make them understand any depression etc you get points for that.x

Devonlady im sorry yre going through all this .x

[Lima6MCT]

If you're told you are in the WRAG then the fact your husband isn't working means you will get the income related ESA. If he was working more than 24 hours a week and/or earning more than £7,500 then, unfortunately, you wouldn't get a penny.

Have a look at your submission to the Tribunal & write down what points you need to get from which criteria. Make notes about anything you want to say & take it with you - the last thing you need is your mind going blank when faced with the tribunal members.

At least when you move up to Scotland you won't have any prescription costs as they're free.

Do you have friends/family or someone from CAB going with you to your appeal?

[fibrosam]

Standing at train station. Just been rung to say tht appt is today. Partner and me stressing to get down there in time. I want to be sick. F***ing fibro fog. Thanks for all advice. Gone through appeal and have made notes. Wish me luck ya'll. speak to you around 4. Fibrosam

[Teddysmum43]

Thinking of you,you are having a rubbish time aren't you? I've been through times like this and it does end at some point. You just don't think it ever will. I'm also at the crossroads on training for my future,this Saturday I start a counselling course. I don't know whether I will be able to complete it or not but intend to give it a bloomin good go. If I don't I will also loose my house at some point. I'm also seeing a nutritionist and am writing a blog about it. I do hope things pick up for you.xx

[barnsleysar]

Hi hun, i had my appeal last wednesday. it was in a small informal building (it was the taxi driver who spotted the tiny little sign saying tribunals!)

I sat in front of a panel of 2, a dr and a judge (both female)

They were really understanding but fired a constant stream of questions at me, so repeatedly - am guessing they were trying to confuse me and maybe slip up or contradict myself on my health.

after about 20 mins i was sent back to the waiting room and within 5 mins was called back in for my decision. I won and was placed in the wrag group with 15 points (9 for standing/sitting and 6 for reaching)

I really hope you and anyone else who is waiting for appeal has a positive outcome. from what i have been reading lately i am one of the few 'lucky' ones who wasnt made to feel like i was a criminal and that i was listened to and my daily struggles with fibro, as and carpal tunnel were taken seriously

gentle hugs and good luck xx

[fibrosam]

Hey y'all. I won. I'm in shock. Update you later

[Hidden]

Congratulations! Glad something good has happened for you! Jane x

[linksy]

glad you won i didn't read your post til tonight i hope things start to get easier for you without the added stress that appeals put on top of all the suffering with fibro. got my appeal in october and dreading it been waiting since january. x any tips or advice on which categories to get points would be appreciated obviously when you settle down.

[FionaP]

So glad for you. Now relax