ESA 0points - what happens now?

Earlier today I had a phone message from a lady at DWP saying she would now send a letter so I spent 1 hour repeatedly ringing the number she had phoned from then 30 minutes ringing the office which had sent my last details - Walsall Benefit Centre.
The woman I spoke to accessed my file and told me I had been allocated no points and that I would lose my benefit. I have been on IB since 1997 and I am 61 in June so will get retirement pension next September. I am so devastated - I did not find this site until after I had sent my form in but I had explained everything and looking through some of your information how points are awarded I cannot believe that I have no points. I have had 4 medicals with doctors during my years of IB and never had any problems.
I lost my job with the NHS following 12 months sick following a lower back injury. However I also have very high blood pressure (on many meds), Diabetes, IBS (including incontinence!) and more recently sleep apnea.
I have also fleetingly looked through some of the documents on here where it mentions getting a sick note - I havent had a sick note since January 1997.
The most annoying fact is that if I had been born in March 1952 instead of June I would not have been chased up at all
I cannot afford to lose this benefit but at present I do not feel that I have the strength and energy to challenge their decision. It took me 4 years to chase the NHS about giving me ill-health retirement (which is very small) but I was younger then and am so dispirited with my health as it is......
I need advice and encouragement please.

Good advice Gordon.



bro58

Hi Gordon

Seems like I have no choice but to appeal. However, it was my understanding that whilst on SSP/IB my insurance contributions were made so have the government changed that a well?? My hubby is 65 this year and we cannot manage without my benefits - the more stress that I receive the worse my health get and now after 16 years am being told I am fit to work and I know I am not.

I would appreciate any encouragement from members to have been where I am. Thank you.

Sorry Gordon think I missed a bit (not surprising really).
You say that if I appeal I will be given an allowance whilst a new decision is being made and I will need sick note from my gp in order to get this - have I got this right?
Thank you Gordon and others