M
As your appeal is about failing to attend an assessment I'm afraid the ESA Assessment rate is not payable during your appeal, it can only be paid where a Fit for Work Decision has been made, a failure to attend results in you being treated as being Fit for Work, I realise this sounds the same but it is not.
An ESA administrative appeal should be heard quicker but it could still be months before you have a hearing, if you claim UC in the interim then there is no value in continuing with the appeal as you cannot return to ESA.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems 
