Help on Appeal please?

Hi all,

I have had my Atos medical . I have CFS/ME.
I got my letter from DWP saying I was fit to work. I was awarded 0 points.
My problem is I didn't find this website until after my medical. So I didn't send supporting evidence. I just sent back my ATOS questionnaire on its own.

I have sent my appeal form GL24 with a letter asking them to continue paying my ESA.I have also contacted a welfare officer, who I am waiting to hear from.
My sick line runs out in 2 weeks on Monday.

Questions:
Should I make an appontment with my Dr and ask for a report of my condition? Or wait until I see my welfare officer.

Is there a chance if I send evidence I won't need to go to appael tribunal?
As I find the idea very daunting.

If I do need to go to the appeal tribunal, caan anyone tell wht happens and what questions I can expect to askedd ?

Its just the whole thing is stresssing me out.
Thanks for your help.

Cookie

Hi Cookie,

Have you used our guide to ESA appeals, that will tell you a lot about what happens.

No-one can tell you what questions you will be asked as it depends entirely on the tribunal members and on what points you are arguing for. But, if for example, you are arguing for points for mobility then there will probably be questions about things like shopping and getting around at home and trips out as well as how you got to the tribunal venue.

It is possible that the decision will be changed without your having to go to a hearing, but this happens in a relatively small number of cases, so best to prepare as if you are going to be going.

If you do get the help of a representative then the advantage of waiting until you see them before contacting your GP is that they will be well practised in writing to health professionals and asking for focused supporting evidence.

Good luck,

Steve

Hi,
Yes I have got the appeals guide.Whiuch is very useful.
Thannk you for your advice.

Cookie

Hi All,
I have sent my appeal request back with a letter to ask DWP to continue paying my ESA.Will I get a written reply from DWP teliing me I will still get my ESA payments?
Or should I phone DWP?Thanks for your advice

Kind regards
Cookie

Hi Steve,
thanks for your help.
kind regards
Cookie