ESA

[sharonap]

Well ive finally finished my questionaire and its in the post.. a big sigh of relief...

Feel better ive done my part now its out of my hands, expect the nexxt thing will be the interview/medical. Any one any idea how long before they inform you.

sharon xx

[TreyBon64]

Have you completed the ESA form yourself? It is best you get someone to do it for you, like the CAB or Welfare Rights. If you've already done it, never mind. The DWP get the form pretty quickly but you won't get the money, if they think you are entitled to it, straight away. You'll be put on the lower rate and then you'll be asked to go for an appt with ATOS; that is what happened to me. You'll then be found fit for work and you'll have to start the process of going to tribunal and THAT is when you will definately need the help of welfare rights. I don't think the cab will be able to help you with your tribunal as they have put a hold on doing any of that as they are getting swamped, as are the dwp. I've been told that they are 11mths behind (in my area anyway) with taking me to tribunal, which means you have to go to court in front of a judge and a court appointed gp. It sounds scary but it was ok but if your dwp are anything like ours here then you'll have a long wait before that, but your atos appt will happen as soon as possible as they don't want hardly anyone on esa. xxxx Trey xxxx Good Luck xxxx

[TreyBon64]

Sorry ... Hello Sharon ... me a dipstick today lol xxx

[sharonap in reply to TreyBon64]

Hi Trey your not th only one I looked at this and thought someones got the same name as me!!!! than realised it was me just forgot I had posted it!!!!

the joys of APS/SNeddons

shron xx

[sharonap]

im already on incapacity so if they put me in WRAG I will still get the same money . I used the guidlines someone sent me off here, they where very useful .

thanks

sharon xx

[panda60 in reply to sharonap]

Can't remember how long it was before I had my assessment - probably around 6-8 weeks. Have now been changed from IB to WRAG and getting the same money each week, but only given it for 365 days - no idea what happens then. Apparently being in the WRAG group does not mean you have been passed as fit to work!!!! Have asked for a reconsideration of their decision and will then go to appeal. By the time that has all gone through I will probably be drawing my old age pension at 62. It's a total farce

[sharonap in reply to panda60]

hi, after 365 days its means tested.

[panda60 in reply to sharonap]

Looked at the letter again with hubby's help as am struggling at the moment; only been awarded it until 27th November. Presumably I will be assessed again??????? I have given up trying to understand how the DWP works. My husband is very good to me and will support me whatever, but not all women are so lucky.

Caroline

[SueLovett]

Hi,

I am on ESA but haven't had the assessment yet. I applied in February and they are paying the benefit which is a pitence.

I have also got a claim for DLA pending I submitted this in May. CAB have said they will help if I have to go to a tribunal.

You have to remember that the assessors at ASOS are one or more steps down from people who drown kittens!

Bon Chance x

[TreyBon64]

Hi Sharon and Sue ... yeah I'm in the WRAG too. I'm on the lower level of ESA as the moment as I have appealed the ATOS decision. Sue, all at ATOS give pond scum a bad name. X

[sharonap]

Going to make sure i watch the programme mary mentioned about ATOS.

sharon xx