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IB to ESA WRAG, should I appeal...or be grateful?!

  • fordcortina
  • Topic Author
11 years 10 months ago #88050 by fordcortina
Firstly, I've been a member for several years... and I must express my sincere gratitude for the advice available on the B&W website. It has been a great help. Thank you!
Moving on, this is my first post asking for advice. I only received my (telephone) confirmation earlier this week, so forgive me if I should have waited for the written confirmation before posting.
So...from the title, you will gather that I have been moved from IB to the ESA WRAG group (without medical...so thanks B&W!). I have been on IB for approx 3-4 years, being an ME/CFS sufferer. I also suffer terribly with IBS and finally... scoliosis, which is a back problem.
I had previously tried to stay in work by changing jobs/ going part time etc, but eventually, was forced to stop work. To try and keep my brain working, I currently do a few hours per week voluntary work for local charities as I am able (mainly from home, for obvious reasons...and it varies greatly, as some weeks I cannot do anything). JCP are fully aware of what I do/have done.
Anyway... knowing what some people have endured with ATOS/ESA etc, I was initially grateful for getting ESA (WRAG) without attending a medical, but having read a few threads on the forum... and also the ESA descriptors, now I'm a little worried... and wonder if I should appeal.
My question relates to point no. 8 of the "Limited capability for work related activity test"...ie bowel/toilet issues. I went to great lengths to explain my situation in the ESA 50 form... as I certainly match said criteria of having episodes "at least once a week" (usually several days/ most of the week).
The lady who phoned suggested that I will now be seen by a member of JCP, but after this, they may not need to see me for several months, possibly more, depending on circumstances. It was only towards the end of the phone call when WRAG was actually confirmed (I even thought/hoped I may have been placed into the Support Group until then), but she then told me that if I miss "any appointments" my benefit may be stopped.
After giving it more thought... and having had another read of the B&W forum, this has worried me, as through any combination of my health issues, there is no way that I could guarantee to attend appointments, at a specific time at least, at the local JCP.
Anyway, whilst there's more info I could post... that's more than enough for now, so can I simply apologise for any error in posting, or the length of post (sorry!)... but thank anyone who can offer any helpful advice.
Kind Regards,
fordcortina

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11 years 10 months ago #88055 by slugsta
Clearly we can't advise whether or not you should appeal - not least because there is a risk of losing your ESA alltogether.
I suggest you have a good read of the appeals advice on this forum before you make your decision. You will have one month from when you receive the written decision to lodge any appeal.

ESA claims and appeals

How long do I have to appeal?

How to submit an appeal

Is there any risk to challening a decision?

Do I have to attend WFIs?

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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