Tribunal for ESA

[14021975]

Hi, I have after 16 months been diagnosed with possible ME/CFS.

I have appealed the DWP as they have deemed me fit to work, therefore I'm currently on JSA.

I have a date for my tribunal (Thursday) to protest this decision (ESA) and i'm wondering if anyone can give me some advice about this, as i'm very nervous! What questions will they ask etc.

[Tores123]

I had my tribunal in May, it was 2.5 hours, apparently much longer than normal!

It was a judge, doctor and care specialist asking questions about my application with a DWP rep to put forward their opinions and a court reporter taking notes.

I went to disability north for help and advice before hand and I went in with a plan to ask for 2 more points for the care element to qualify for the lower rate, and 2 more points for mobility for the lower rate, and knew which questions I expected to get the points for and had an argument for why they should award them.

It was quite emotional and I am a woos so I cried all the way through it, but I think they're used to that.

They took turns asking me questions mainly about how far I could walk, how long it took me, if I needed to rest and how long for. I am useless with distances so I had made some notes before hand, but it still wasn't detailed enough, so I'd advise on timing yourself and measuring distances if you're after the mobility points.

The care points were much easier as I had got an aid since I put in my application.

Go get some help from CAB or a local disability group as they will be able to give you specific advice and even accompany you sometimes.

Good luck! X

[14021975 in reply to Tores123]

Hi,

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my questions.

I'm taking my mum with me, so hopefully if I don't answer questions fully she will be able to step in. It feels as though you have to prove yourself every step of the way!

I hope everything works out for you! x