ESA appeal

Hi, I haven't been on this forum before, so not sur if I'm using it right. I have my ESA appeal coming up in just over a week and would welcome any tips or advice. I am nearly having a breakdown with it all, have been waiting nearly a year since I had the assesment. I have read somewhere on here to look at a video or something about watching a tribunal. Will I find this in here anywhere or will I google it. Any help appreciated. thanks. mags

Hi M, welcome to the site. You might find this helpful

Welcome to Benefits and Work


I know that the video you mention was taken off-line by DWP and I am not sure whether it can now be found. However, this should help


Preparing for a Tribunal

I don't know whether you are appealing against a 'fit to work' decision or whether you are appealing for the Support Group having been put into the WRAG. Either way, you should concentrate on showing how your condition meets the specific criteria

Qualifying for the WRAG

Qualifying for the Support Group

Have a good read through your copy of the application form (ESA50) to remind yourself of the answers you gave at the time as the tribunal can only consider the situation as it was when the first decision was made, they cannot take into account any worstening of your condition in the interim.

I note that your username might be your real name. Many people prefer to use an alias in order to preserve anonymity on a public forum like this. If you wish to change your username you should follow the advice in this FAQ

My full name is showing, how can I stop it?

If you have any further questions please come back and ask them on this thread/topic. If you mark it as a 'favourite' now, it will be easy to find in future

Hi, thanks Mrs H, am appealing against the fit to work decision, I will heve a look at the links you sent and see if they help. thanks again. M

Hi M,

No consolation i know but i am in the same position as you, good luck with it all.

Chrissy V

Hi, not sure who I am replying to as I have not found my way round the forum as have been busy trying to do paperwork for tribunal which was yesterday. Just thought I would let you know that thanks to you and this site, I won . Though I dont think im out of the woods yet as was placed in work related activity and not sure what happens there and how long till i hear from anyone. It was reccomended I dont get reassessed for 24 months. (I am 59 yers old ) also my contribution based esa runs out in june, so will it still run out anyway ? Probably wouldnt get income related esa as my husbanndand gets state pension and bit of work pension and I get work pension as was medically retire from nhs job 6 years ago. Confused what happens now. Any info greatly appreciated. Thanks. Patty. Was M