IB Appeal Success

Over a year ago I was disallowed IB and subsequently claimed ESA whilst appealing the IB decision. Last October a paper hearing (as I live in Spain) of the IB Appeal Tribunal resulted in an adjournment. The Tribunal requested up to date medical info from the DWP ie my ESA50 and the ESA Medical Report as both claims related to the same medical condition. I today received a phone call from the ESA Department, advising that the Decision Maker had revised his decision on my IB and I was being transferred back onto IB - result!

Interestingly, they offered me the option to stay on ESA as they would be transferring all IB claimants onto ESA within the next 2-3 years. However, due to the proposed changes to ESA in that contributions based ESA can only be claimed for 1 year, I have opted to go back onto IB. Being in Spain I can't claim Income Related benefits. This should give me a bit more breating space.

So, to all those fighting the system, please do not give up. The past 18 months have been a big struggle, but I got justice in the end!

Well done Costa.

Kathy

Thanks Kathy. In my post I should have said that I couldn't have made such a good case without the invaluable help from B&W! Many thanks to all who replied to my queries and for the excellent background information in the Guides.

They gave you the CHOICE?
Well done.I am Genuinly pleased for you.
But some of us have been refused the opportunity to extend our IB. up to now!
And the decision was made by someone who is not medically trained plus we have no right of appeal.

Great news