New IB Tests?

Hi, I just saw on the news that those on IB will all be reassessed using a new stringent (i.e. biased) test. Is there any advice about what this test will contain and how to prepare for it?

I know that the new test is designed to throw as many people with disability onto JSA or off benefits altogether so the new test will be stacked against us, especially those with mental health issues.

I'm really worried about this and would like to prepare as much as possible for doomsday when is arrives. I wrote to my Labour MP asking her to oppose these changes but she hasn't replied.

Spectralis wrote:

Hi, I just saw on the news that those on IB will all be reassessed using a new stringent (i.e. biased) test. Is there any advice about what this test will contain and how to prepare for it?

I know that the new test is designed to throw as many people with disability onto JSA or off benefits altogether so the new test will be stacked against us, especially those with mental health issues.

I'm really worried about this and would like to prepare as much as possible for doomsday when is arrives. I wrote to my Labour MP asking her to oppose these changes but she hasn't replied.

Sadly this has been in the pipeline for some time now and unfortunately MP's have been being showered with requests for support from disabled people for months on end. You may well recieve an automated stock letter from her, most of us have, I would be shocked if they bothered thier bottoms to actually reply personally!!!!! Whilst it is scary and a lot of us are in the situation that when means testing comes into force after a year of ESA,assuming that we pass the new WCA, our money will stop if our partner works. It should hopefully give you some inspiration to read the guides on here, to at least prepare for what will be a tough time ahead, but hopefully not completely hopeless. Try not to worry yourself but rather arm yourself with as much info as poss.
Callisto x

I had a reply from my MP today, and hes opposing these changes.

I have read the guides and I still am having problems understanding! The new esa 50 form from march 2011 does not show the amount of points awarded for each answer. Therefore is the verdict not decided on a points basis, any more? And if it is still dependent on points received how do i find out the points awarded for each descriptor, please?

Thanks for the replies. It really does help talking about this. I'll read the ESA test guide as advised. I'm still on IB so will the ESA test apply to me or will they have to convert me to ESA first?