IB to ESA WRAG Success without Medical

Completed my ESA form (sent 22nd August 2012) and I received a decision, without having to have a medical, on 16th October. I had been placed in the WRAG (which I expected to be honest), and will be writing to get the relevant paperwork to see where I scored points etc. Thanks to the site for the useful guides, as I am sure I would not have supplied all the right information in the right places without you!

I have requested a form to claim ESA(IR). I had been awarded ESA(CB)on the letter. As this is my only income and I live alone, the chap at the DWP said I would be eligible for IR. Again, I wouldn't have known the difference without B&W.

I know this isn't the end of the circus.. but feel much better prepared for the future.

I would like to add that I asked for a Reconsideration over the phone, for my mother's Attendance Allowance when she was turned down and a couple of days later she received an overturned decision with back dated benefit to the beginning of August! I wouldn't have done that without reading the forum and having the courage to question decisions. So thanks for that too!

Well done on your WRAG decision. Many people seem to view this as a failure, but the fact is that you have been judged unfit for work - which is a huge step in the right direction.

Thank you MrsH. I am hoping to improve my health and get back to work, so being in the WRAG makes sense to me. I just hope they don't think I will be fit in 3 months time! haha. Especially as I still have to have a hip replacement to go through...

I thought it would be useful for others to see the timescale of the decision too. I live in the Leeds/Bradford area (Leeds Atos is the nearest office).