Transfered from IB to WRAG ESA(cb) should I?....

Today received the (very confusing) letter informing my transfer from IB to ESA has been successful. Thanks only to the guides and advice here I might add, it was invaluable to work my way through the maze.

I have read all the Site Notes before posting these questions, so hope it is OK.

Although I expected to be in Support Group (I have ME and Fibromyalgia), I do not intend to appeal as I have no savings or other income to live off while waiting an appeal decision. I live alone, with no other income other than my IB (now ESA).

Here are my questions:
1:
How do I find out what my points score was? I did not attend a medical. Also, how do I find out how long I have the award?

2:
The letter states Contribution Based ESA is up to 365 days. I am receiving the same amount as my IB payment. The payment sheet states "the amounts on this page apply from 12 July to 28 Nov 2012". (approx 6 months). Does that mean I should expect another form to make a fresh claim in November, or is it when they make a payment review?

3:
The letter says "You may also be entitled to income related ESA if you do not have enough money coming in".
I don't understand this statement. Am I to apply for IR ESA - or just wait for the contribution based part to run out? Will they stop my money while they make the transfer - like I read on some other poor soles' thread. I am so scared of making a wrong move as this is my only income.

Sorry for the lengthy post.

Thank you to all here.
Westy

Thank you for your swift reply. You guys are fantastic running this site

Yes, you have explained it well. Thanks.
Re: 1
I will request a copy of the medical report. Can I do this by phone?

Re 2: Yes, could be.

Re 3:
I don't think there is any increase to be gained in my instance, as this current amount seems to be the IB threshold I was receiving anyway.

Thank again.

"Although I expected to be in Support Group (I have ME and Fibromyalgia), I do not intend to appeal as I have no savings or other income to live off while waiting an appeal decision. I live alone, with no other income other than my IB (now ESA)."

If you decide to appeal you will receive the WRAG payment until the appeal is heard (depending on you getting income-related ESA when your contributary runs out, which it sounds as if you will do as you live alone with no other income).

However, there would be no guarantee that any Support Group award would last as long as your currrent WRAG award, so you could find yourself back on the assessment roundabout.

Hello Gordon and other mods that have been helpful to me in this thread.

Here's an update:
1. I requested a copy of the medical report - still not recieved to this date. So, I phoned this morning, and was told they will chase it up and get a copy to me.

2. I applied to have the ESA(CB) award changed to ESA(IR). It was agreed, and was told this is backdated to the start of my ESA, although there is no change to the amount of payment, it does ensure I continue to receive Housing Benefit, Council Tax Rebate and free prescriptions... Thank you for your advice on that.

I now have a further question:
As I am now in receipt of Income Related ESA does that mean I no longer have to worry about the 365 day limit for income? I am aware that I will still be re-assessed whenever those dates become due, but do I at least have one less thing to worry about and keep track of?

I do not know what I would have done without this forum, your guides and advice. I can honestly say that I would have 'gone under' without your support.
Thanks again.
All the best to others who are trying to get through this terrible time.