I've been on ESA in the WRAG since 2009, due to ME/CFS. I was reassessed in November of last year and thought I would be moved to the Support Group based on my mobility. However, the paper assessment did not take my mobility into account at all, and I had to appeal.

I learned during the appeal process that if I was not successful, I would lose ESA completely at the end of April, as I am not eligible for Income Based ESA. This added a lot of pressure.

I went to the tribunal in person and found it very physically stressful due to my illness. But it was far friendlier than anything I've had to deal with before with ATOS or DWP. They stressed several times that they were independent of the DWP - perhaps they don't want their bad press!

They spent ten minutes asking me some questions, and thanked me for coming in person.

I'm not sure I would have felt the confidence to do this if it weren't for the B&W guides, as well as the success stories that come in the regular newsletter. That and knowing that 40% of cases succeed at appeal was what gave me the courage to do it. Thank you!

HA

Can we suppose that your appeal was successful? If so, congratulations.

Gordon

Glad you felt comfortable with the tribunal.
Have you been placed in SG or what ?

The clue is in the title of the thread.

Woops did not engage brain, apologies xx

No problem. Quite often I also cannot see the wood for the trees.