Appeal

I suffer from CFS, Fibromyalgia and Epilepsy and had my ESA medical in June 2010. I received my results 2 weeks later and had been place in the WRAG. They advised that a return to work could be considered within 6 months. My current sick certificate runs out on 27th December 2010. I appealed on several grounds, sent in all the details and heard this morning that they have sent my papers to the appeal panel and should hear from them shortly on the next step to take. I am in two minds to be honest as to my next step. As anyone with fibromyalgia and CFS knows people tend not to understand the condition and it is very hard to explain the effects to someone as it is a very variable condition. I have been suffering from CFS for 3 years and Fibromyalgia for 5 months, the same with Epilepsy. If I decide not to go to appeal (mainly to avoid the stress) but find in December my condition has not improved, do I just send in another sickness certificate and apply again for ESA and then go through the whole sequence again or would you advise going ahead with the tribunal? Any advice would be more then welcome. Thank you

Hi Marie4543

When you are placed into the WRA group you no longer need to send in medical certificates. The DWP should inform you and your doctor of this, but for reasons best known to them, they have removed this from their standard letters.

You will not need to reapply for ESA, they will automatically reassess you, probably in six months but it could be longer. You will not be required to make another claim without first being re-tested.

I take it that you are appealing to get into the support group, you need to be aware that there is a risk (which varies from person to person) of losing your current award on appeal. Please read the ESA appeal guide in the members' area and seek advice if necessary.

Good luck, hope this is helpful

Derek

Many thanks Derek. Your reply has made things clearer for me. I am not going to appeal at this stage but wait. I don't need the added stress at the moment.