ESA awarded

After 4 months wait from my initial (1st time) application I have just been awarded ESA and placed into the WRAG, after finally having my medical assessment 10 days ago (ATOS cancelled the first 2 appointments)! The letter I have received makes no mention of when I can expect to be reassessed (or how long the award runs) or the amount of points I received, but I have asked for a copy of my ATOS medical report and an explanation of the points received for my own records (I made it clear that I do not wish to appeal, but would like this additional information). I am very thankful that I became a member of this site, and made full use of the ESA members guidance to complete the questionnaire. Having managed my M.E. for almost 2 decades, it is habitual for me to understate the difficulties I have faced coping with daily life, bringing up 2 children as a single parent and previously with sustaining permanent employment. Although I am now suffering additional chronic medical problems the detailed guidance given on this site enabled me to approach the questionnaire in a manner that accurately showed the difficulties I have with a fluctuating condition like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If I hadn't had access to your ESA guide I wouldn't have had any idea of how to answer these questions, and would never have thought to give detailed examples and additional information to support the highly over simplified 'tick boxes'. Neither would I have been prepared for the questions asked at the medical. I am now going to use the DLA guide to apply for this additional benefit (which I have never claimed), as my doctor agrees that I should be entitled to extra help with my care and mobility.

Again, thank you for providing this excellent service at a very reasonable subscription price.

Hi Simbi, that's brilliant, congratulations!

Being a fellow single parent with ME and more I know how much this wull mean to you!

Best wishes,
Rachel

Hi, Simbi

Many thanks for sharing your success. It encourages the rest of us!!!

And congratulations on getting into WRAG. You must have written a great ESA50 and have done brilliantly at the medical assessment to achieve this. I know how heavily the odds are stacked, so WELL DONE!

Andy.