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Hey guys,
Just realised I hadn't put details of my ESA appeal up yet! lol
Don't necessarily need any help at this stage, but in case I need future help, or indeed my situation helps others, it's always a good thing
Ok, so, I had been on Incapacity benefit since October 2001, DLA since October 2003, due to Mental Health problems.
In November 2012, I was sent a letter to say that after reviewing my details for the migration from IB to ESA, I had been placed in the ESA work group.
To be totally honest, I had no idea what this meant, and noted that the money was going to remain the same, so didn't bother chasing it up, as it stated in the letter that someone would be in contact with me soon to discuss this.
A month later the Jobcentre wrote to me saying I had to go into the centre for an interview about getting back into work etc.
Well, I rang them straight away to say that would be impossible, as I am basically house bound, from agoraphobia and anxiety.
The woman I spoke to was extremely nice, and explained what the ESA work portion meant, and that I would have to come into the centre or lose my beneifts. She did say however for the first couple of appointments she would be willing to do telephone interviews, whilst I researched the appeal process etc.
Now I knew what the ESA work was all about, researched it and how to appeal.
But I was already at a disadvantage. I had moved in 2011 from where I was originally assessed by mental health, had ongoing treatments etc since 2001.
My new GP I only ever saw about getting repeat prescriptions since moving, and decided that my best option was to re-engage with the local mental health team, and get them to assess me, as I had never had an ATOS medical exam, as my doctors always sent them letters to say I can be assessed at the surgery or my home, but not travel.
It took me from mid-December 2012 until mid-April 2013 to see docs, get referal to MH team, to chase them constantly to get a home visit, then an assessment I could send to DWP...! Nightmare, but had to be done!
In April, I sent in my appeal, with the appropriate form, the MH team assessment and a covering letter explaining my situation and detailing all the actions and dates of all appointments etc to get the assessment, which explained why I was appealing outside the 1 month deadline.
I got a letter back from them on the 23rd of April to say they have received my appeal.
To date, I have heard nothing more from them.
But, in anticipation of a decision I don't agree with, I have been through the work capability assessment they use, and personally totalled 69 points. I've written a statement for my MH social worker to sign, agreeing to that assessment (of course although I think I total 69, whether she does or not is a different matter! lol).
Anyway, I'm all set and waiting for them to respond, so I can either take action, or rejoice I was able to get it sorted first time round! (unlikely, but I do live in hope
)
So that is how things stand at the moment! I'm thinking I need to call and nag them into making a decision one way or the other soon, but all the information I can find says there is no set time limit they have to respond within
Fact is, I'm still getting the same money paid to me, Jobcentre are not hassling me anymore, as they know I have appealed, so don't want to rock the boat and have them decide to withdraw benefits or something else!
Will keep you all updated on progress, and if you want any further details/clarification, let me know
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On a side note, I thought I would be cheeky
I decided to apply for a budgeting loan, as I have been on the work related ESA benefit for over 26 weeks now, but if I were on the support section I wouldn't be entitled to apply! Madness that has annoyed me for some years, when a social fund loan of any kind could of helped me out on more than a few occasions, but not applicable to me cos of the benefit they put me on! Just a pet hate, so that's why I'm being cheeky Whether they allow it is debatable, but technically, I should be entitled under their rules, right?
Just realised I hadn't put details of my ESA appeal up yet! lol
Don't necessarily need any help at this stage, but in case I need future help, or indeed my situation helps others, it's always a good thing
Ok, so, I had been on Incapacity benefit since October 2001, DLA since October 2003, due to Mental Health problems.
In November 2012, I was sent a letter to say that after reviewing my details for the migration from IB to ESA, I had been placed in the ESA work group.
To be totally honest, I had no idea what this meant, and noted that the money was going to remain the same, so didn't bother chasing it up, as it stated in the letter that someone would be in contact with me soon to discuss this.
A month later the Jobcentre wrote to me saying I had to go into the centre for an interview about getting back into work etc.
Well, I rang them straight away to say that would be impossible, as I am basically house bound, from agoraphobia and anxiety.
The woman I spoke to was extremely nice, and explained what the ESA work portion meant, and that I would have to come into the centre or lose my beneifts. She did say however for the first couple of appointments she would be willing to do telephone interviews, whilst I researched the appeal process etc.
Now I knew what the ESA work was all about, researched it and how to appeal.
But I was already at a disadvantage. I had moved in 2011 from where I was originally assessed by mental health, had ongoing treatments etc since 2001.
My new GP I only ever saw about getting repeat prescriptions since moving, and decided that my best option was to re-engage with the local mental health team, and get them to assess me, as I had never had an ATOS medical exam, as my doctors always sent them letters to say I can be assessed at the surgery or my home, but not travel.
It took me from mid-December 2012 until mid-April 2013 to see docs, get referal to MH team, to chase them constantly to get a home visit, then an assessment I could send to DWP...! Nightmare, but had to be done!
In April, I sent in my appeal, with the appropriate form, the MH team assessment and a covering letter explaining my situation and detailing all the actions and dates of all appointments etc to get the assessment, which explained why I was appealing outside the 1 month deadline.
I got a letter back from them on the 23rd of April to say they have received my appeal.
To date, I have heard nothing more from them.
But, in anticipation of a decision I don't agree with, I have been through the work capability assessment they use, and personally totalled 69 points. I've written a statement for my MH social worker to sign, agreeing to that assessment (of course although I think I total 69, whether she does or not is a different matter! lol).
Anyway, I'm all set and waiting for them to respond, so I can either take action, or rejoice I was able to get it sorted first time round! (unlikely, but I do live in hope
)So that is how things stand at the moment! I'm thinking I need to call and nag them into making a decision one way or the other soon, but all the information I can find says there is no set time limit they have to respond within
Fact is, I'm still getting the same money paid to me, Jobcentre are not hassling me anymore, as they know I have appealed, so don't want to rock the boat and have them decide to withdraw benefits or something else!
Will keep you all updated on progress, and if you want any further details/clarification, let me know
--------------------------------------------------------------------
On a side note, I thought I would be cheeky
I decided to apply for a budgeting loan, as I have been on the work related ESA benefit for over 26 weeks now, but if I were on the support section I wouldn't be entitled to apply! Madness that has annoyed me for some years, when a social fund loan of any kind could of helped me out on more than a few occasions, but not applicable to me cos of the benefit they put me on! Just a pet hate, so that's why I'm being cheeky
Whether they allow it is debatable, but technically, I should be entitled under their rules, right?
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