ESA Appeal

SERENITY_2

I have been on ESA for 2 years. My last medical assessment failed me giving me 0 points. I suffer from depression anxiety BPD and am being referred to see a link worker. When they stopped money i had to see a welfare lady to help me with the stages of going through an appeal. I did not need to write on the forms as she did this for me. I have heard nothing from her for a couple of months. She said something about getting some information from my doctor for the appeal but then i had to explain i was moving doctor due to moving so i dont really know how that effects anything? I recently recieved a letter explaining that i shall be hearing about an appeal appointment in the next 9-13 weeks. I suffer panic attacks if i worry too much and this has made me worry.

I am going to contact the welfare lady tomorrow to see if i can see her about this letter i have had. This really is playing on my mind. I keep questioning myself on what will happen in the appeal. I know i will end up having a panic attack once im there which makes it worse. What am i to expect? I stutter when nervouse so im scared to speak out. I guess the welfare lady will be there to support me? but how so? How long will i be in there for? any information would be great. thank you so much for reading

benefitbaby

The tribunal normally takes about 40 minutes, there will be an independent legal panel memeber and doctor and your representative (welfare lady) will be there as support. The panel will ask you questions and normally they make a decision on the day.

They will understand your anxiety and if you have a panic attack they will be sympathetic they know it is a scary situation for lots of people. Ironically your panic/anxiety will help as they will actually see what things can be like for you.

Do call your representative because they can go through all this with you. Good Luck

SERENITY_2

40 minutes wow....i have read other stories that it takes around 10minutes to 15. thank you for your reply

Katykat

I received my letter saying the same 9-13 weeks. That was last August. I finLly phoned them last week and told them it has been 24 weeks. They immediately said, " a letter has JUST been posted giving you a date" What a coincidence! Anyway, my appeal is now on 8th Feb. my advice to you is if you havn't heard anything after 13weeks, phone them straightaway.