The relief at last

Hello, I'm just letting you know that I won my ESA appeal today. I went from 9 points to 15. I must admit it wasn't as much as I thought I should get. As well as other problems, I have RA in both hands, one worse than the other. The bad one is my R hand & as I'm right handed it causes me a lot of problems. However, they didn't award me anything for this which actually I consider my biggest problem. Anyway, I got the result I wanted and after reading comments on here, I am sending a copy of the decision notice to DWP immediately. I am looking forward to getting 62 weeks backpay so hope it doesn't take too long.
Has the 12 months rule been implemented yet for contribution based ESA? If so, my joy will be short lived because I've been on it at assessment rate for 15 months now & even though I paid in for 41 yrs, because my husband works ( minimum wage though) it means I wont qualify for income based ESA.

No, the twelve month rule hasn't come in yet. We're waiting for the Welfare Reform Bill to finish its progress through parliament first.

Congratulations on winning your ESA appeal today. Has it really taken 62 weeks to reach a conclusion on your ESA claim/appeal, because if it has, it is totally unacceptable that it has dragged on for so long?

The twelve month rule for contribution-based ESA does not come into force until April 2012, as explained HERE.

Congratulations Katykat, that's brilliant news! And good on you for sending your result to the DWP.

I would be very interested to hear how long it takes them to backdate your money having done this. Please would you post when you get it?

Well done,
Rachel

Well done Katykat, and good luck chasing the DWP for your backpayment.

Yes crazydiamond, it has taken that long. i originally applied in Jan 2010, I had my medical in april and launched my appeal from there. I thought I was prepared for the appeal, I did all my homework and had my case well presented. However, the venue totally threw me off kilter. It was held at the Law Courts, I was scanned and patted down when I entered & then I sat in the reception area with others who were waiting for court cases. I then went into Court No 4, where there was a Judge ( thankfully not his his robes) and a Dr. It was very intimidating and I was shaking like a jelly. I really dont think it needs to be held in a place like that. I think the whole scenario is designed to put people off. I was OK when the procedings started though, they did try to put me at ease.
I will post how long it takes to get my backpay.