So, its 10 weeks today since I received a letter from the DWP telling me they had considered my ESA appeal and had reached a decision in my favour. I confirmed with my WRAG Job Centre Advisor that I had in fact been placed in the support group for 12 months.
I've heard nothing since. The letter stated I would get further details about my award (if there was any monies owed) within 10 weeks, and that the delay was due to THEIR backlogs. (quel surprise)
10 weeks later - still heard nothing, still don't know if the 12 months in support group started from the original ESA decision date last August, or from the appeal decision date in January. No idea if there is any outstanding monies but suspect not as my ESA was "topped up" as I had previously been on topped up IB due to long term sickness.
Also, if they have decided I am suitable (too sick to work) to be in the support group, and based on the original WRAG assessment which stated in the report that they saw NO chance of me returning to any sort of work within 2yrs ... what's going to happen when the 12 months are up? Its only half of the term stated and Im still going to be too bloody sick to work. I have to assume that this will start all over again, with another form, another appeal and more stress.
My only comfort during this time is that my DLA re-award in Sept last year was an indefinite one, which will see me through until 2015 before I face the dreaded PIP assessment. I know I wont pass that using the current criteria, as I don't use a wheelchair and can walk, albeit in constant pain, more than 25 meters.
I would like to acknowledge the fantastic help I received from Nick (Twitter: @mylegalforum) and the Mylegal (now ilegal.org.uk) forums for his support, advice and letter writing skills during my ESA appeal. I firmly believe that without him, I would have still been battling the appeal and would have probably faced a physical tribunal and / or been denied and forced to participate in the WRAG process at the Job Centre.
About Me
- Fibrography
- I have Fibromyalgia, OA and Depression. I am trying to raise awareness of these and other similar debilitating illnesses. Remember - They may not be able to see our pain, but YOU can feel it...and they can't prove it isnt there !!! YOU are human...YOU have rights...YOU have the right to be heard - TALK - SHOUT - DONT STAY QUIET - LETS MAKE THEM HEAR US !! All the content featured on this site belongs to me and permission for use of any of my photos, images, names or blogposts is required.
