From JSA to Support

My son has mental health problems for many years. He was having problems at interviews etc. He got too ill to look for work so I applied on his behalf for ESA. He was put in the work group and still struggled despite help from his adviser . After a year and another medical he was declared fit for work and his ESA stropped. It was at this point I discovered benefits and work forums. Encouraged by the newsletters and other posts I appealed. We won the appeal and he was re instated in the work group. 2 months ago he received a letter from the DWP telling him he had been moved to the support group. I believe this only happened because I never gave up writing to them and the fact that his GP did likewise.
Thank you for this fantastic site, there is so little help out there apart from you

Hi W,

Well done on fighting your son's corner, and gaining the correct award of ESA for him.

Thanks for your kind words regarding B&W.

bro58

That's great news, it shows that perseverance can pay off. Thanks for letting us know and for your kind words about B+W

Thanks everyone. It is only now I understand how drainingu dealing with the DWP. can be. But it was worth it . I can only say to others you need to keep trying and not to let them brow beat you. The actual appeal was quite straight forward and the appeal judge and doctor very sympathetic. But it is essential to have letters from your doctor or hospital to back up the claim.