Trying Appeal from ESA (WRAG) to ESA Support Group

I have been in touch with the local CAB to see if I have a case for an appeal. The interview I had with the advisor was a nightmare.
First, she said how lucky I was in being assigned to WRAG in the first place. It was as if she was implying that was as much as I could hope for and be grateful! With an attitude like that, surely anyone would be defeated before they started?! Then she picked holes in the bad experiences I have had in work in one job after another, which although had left me with permanent health effects, she maintained that 'was a long time ago' and wouldn't be accepted. She also rejected the 'Exceptional Circumstances' clause in my case, saying that would only be applied to people assigned to JSA wanting to appeal for ESA!

I also said I had been through the experience more than once of attending a 'work focussed interview'whilst still on IB, and had difficulties even then dealing with one individual (who worked for A4e and now with Work Fit), still playing a key role, and did not wish to come up against again, after how much I was harrassed by him. That still did not move the CAB rep, who said 'there are people out there who have never had work for 20 years and who would welcome that support', but this is not my situation having clocked up almost 40 years NI contributions, and having worked full-time in the prime of my life when most women are raising families. There did not seem any sympathy or empathy at all.

I don't know what is right any more. But then I directed her to what it says under the clauses in the criteria for Social Engagement & not coping with change. I had to beg her to read my notes to see how repeatedly I have been affected. Slowly she seemed to show a glimmer of interest, but had to keep prompting her all the way, and now I feel disinclined to continue with her services. It is as if she does not seem 100% on my side, which is crucial if on ESA (WRAG) as you could go down as well as up? I don't know what to do. She also didn't care for what the doctor said on my report, which said 'Generalised Anxiety Disorder, that she maintained was not sufficient - which I am trying to get addressed.

I also asked, if she didn't mind, what her success rate was at winning an appeal from ESA (WRAG) to ESA (Support)? and her reply was '2 in 10', which, although very difficult, still seemed much lower to me that it should.

Seeking your advice, as I feel like going it alone at this rate with just a friend, as at my medical assessment.

Hi Louelany

Although it's not possible to advise, only you can decide what to do, you do seem more clued-up about the descriptors and exceptional circumstances than the CAB advisor. I wouldn't be put off appealing yourself with the help from the appeal guide if you have to.

Good luck

Derek