Result!!!!!!

Hi Guys, thought I would let you know about my experience.

I first became ill in 2002 and have been poorly on and off since then. I have spent time in ITU being cared for, numerous scans etc, all showed nothing. The only clue to my illness was my irregular blood tests.

I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and raynauds syndrome but that did not explain the blood results.

I could never bring myself to claim as i thought that things like this dont happen to me.

In Feb 2011 I was finally diagnosed, im not going to expire but I have got worse and my life has changed.

On 31/3/2011, having sought advice from my legal reps I decided to claim for ESA and also Mobility and care allowances.

Im off long term sick from my job and just thought enough is enough.

I was awarded ESA at a healthy rate in May 11, backdated till my first date of claim but heard nothing about my claim for mobility and care.

I received a letter in June telling me that no decision had been made and that they were writing to my consultant for more information.

Well today the brown envelope arrived and it was sellotaped and it was quite thick.

Nervously I opened it. I was awarded high rate mobility till March 2013 and high rate carers till the same date. the foot note on the letter stated that they only gave me 2 years as my condition may change, which to be fair it may well, and if it did and i improved I would gladly give all the allowances back.

My top tips are this.

1) Pay the money and join this web site. We all know what is wrong with us but explaining it effectively and quantifying it is another thing all together.

2) Make sure your doctor and consultant are fully up to speed on what you are claiming for and why.

3) Seek advice from a legal professional/CAB etc etc.

4) Dont keep ringing and bothering the helpline, it doesnt really help.

5) Take copies of everything and record conversations.

6) Patience ( which is easier said then done.

7) Dont put off claiming like me to be a martyr etc as you just never know.

It was nice to check my bank account today to find £2500 had been deposited in back payments.

Finally, thank you Benefits and Work, I could not have done it without you.

And finally to everyone that participates on this forum, keep the faith and keep plugging away. I wish each and everyone of you all the very best.

Robbie.

hi robbie, that is fantastic news, good on you for putting in your claim, when you are entitled to benefit through no fault of your own,and when you have paid your taxes and national insurance for x amount of years. there seems to be a lot of people out there that don't claim any of the benefits that their entitled.
good on ya. top tips as well
best regards

Good news, well done

Congratulations Robbie for getting well deserved Esa and Dla awards - enjoy, and stay well.

Hi .i am very happy for you.
well done