I've done my initial appeal against the health assessment decision (which seems to be done by chiropodists, not mental health professionals or even GPs) and received a letter today telling me that the decision hasn't changed on review and that I'd hear from them again soon. They told me they'd phoned to ask me for more info but as they couldn't get through they'd gone ahead without any input from me. Well, I am traumatised and changed my phone no. the very WEEK they phoned me, to stop the last abuser from contacting me again, and forgot to tell them. Because I am traumatised! They didn't send a letter, but just phoned. That doesn't sound right to me. What if I'd been sick in hospital or something?
So, not knowing what was best and not wanting to be left without income I contacted the DSS and they told me that while it was going to Tribunal I should apply for JSA as they would STOP ESA.
Okay, went to do that. She told me that I had no more chances with appealing, that was it, it had been decided, go to work or sign on now or no money. I nearly died on the spot in the office but signed on as available for work, telling the woman I didn't consider myself fit, but she said there was no option.
Fortunately I have a friend in the CAB who has told me that was all rubbish, they would have continued to pay me ESA until I went to Tribunals Court (this is the one last step I can go through) and that I don't have to sign on but just get a really good case together, see the psychiatrist again to ask about a ptsd diagnosis, etc. Unbelievable. They have no idea what they are doing.
I know this is boring, but wondered if there was anyone else who'd gone through the appeals process for ESA.
So, not knowing what was best and not wanting to be left without income I contacted the DSS and they told me that while it was going to Tribunal I should apply for JSA as they would STOP ESA.
Okay, went to do that. She told me that I had no more chances with appealing, that was it, it had been decided, go to work or sign on now or no money. I nearly died on the spot in the office but signed on as available for work, telling the woman I didn't consider myself fit, but she said there was no option.
Fortunately I have a friend in the CAB who has told me that was all rubbish, they would have continued to pay me ESA until I went to Tribunals Court (this is the one last step I can go through) and that I don't have to sign on but just get a really good case together, see the psychiatrist again to ask about a ptsd diagnosis, etc. Unbelievable. They have no idea what they are doing.
I know this is boring, but wondered if there was anyone else who'd gone through the appeals process for ESA.
