ESA & DLA Result

Hi everyone

I would just like to say a HUGE thank you to everyone that runs the site and provides all of the up to date information and advice that proves so invaluable for so many....myself included.

I have just been through an incredibly traumatic time, not only health wise, but since Christmas I have also moved house AND divorced! oh and to add the icing on the cake, had to contend with a DLA renewal and the delights of the full benefits system, including ESA which was totally alien to me.

Having been suddenly plunged into complete despair of being disabled, divorced and displaced, I then had the challenge of form filling and the nail biting and stressful time of the awaiting the decision of the Gods that are the 'DM's'.

13 weeks they made me wait for my DLA....right to the final day. I called every day during the last 2 weeks because the angst was just too great. However, the result was one that I really didn't expect and had me crying with relief.....I was awarded both mobility and care at the higher rate and for an indefinite period. (Previously I had HRM & LRC but for 18 months).

I've had ESA since the week before Christmas (yes, his timing was fantastic...shame it wasn't always ) but I now had to complete the wonderful ATOS form. True to form, I procrastinated and left it to the final hour to complete (I had a few other things on my mind....). The fear of the unknown, and my own GP's reference to them as 'that bunch of muppets' did nothing to instil any faith in them or the forthcoming anticipated interrogation....err medical if you prefer.

So, with form finally complete, I send it off. Several weeks ago now. I haven't heard anything about a date for a medical...no phone call or letter or butler in the buff at my door with an appointment card under a silver platter (sorry, mind wandered a bit there...its the morphine!), BUT... out of the blue today, I get a letter from Jobcentre Plus telling me that I've now been placed in the support group and that they are backdating my money to 13th February!!!

So once again, I really do have to say a very big thank you for all the information. I couldn't have done it had I not had so many pointers and advice. The difference that it makes to me is life changing....really life changing.

Well done Daisy and thanks for letting us know your outcome.

Derek

CONGRATULATIONS DAISEY. I would like to add my thanks to B&W for the advice from the various help forms and forums. My ESA experience has taken almost 2 years and it took several letters of complaint and a letter to as many MP's as I could find but finally I too have been moved to the support group and finally feel able to take on the DLA. Once again many thanks B&W.

Steve Rowlands

Hi Steve

I've noticed you are posting for the first time, welcome to the forum.

As this is a public forum you might want to consider changing your forum name to something that doesn't identify you. If so you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Regards

Derek

Hi Derek
I am not sure why I would want to hide my identity I am certainly not ashamed of my condition and I think that my situation may help others to take on the dreaded works and pensions rabble

Steve

We usually warn people about names, because our system is such that we get quite a few people who end up with a display name that isn't the nickname they meant to use. There are also people who haven't made much use of the internet and haven't yet considered the implications of using their real name online.

But you are entirely free to use your own name if that is what you prefer, and you will not be the only one here to do so.