ESA CONTRIBUTION BASED

Hello, I wonder if there is anyone out there who can help me please? I have been ill with mental health problems since 1997. I was on IB. Last year I went for a medical and received a phone call after to state my benefit would stop as I had not scored enough points. I appealed this decision and was then placed in the WRAG group. I attended the work focussed interviews. I also completed another assessment form to ATOS in November 2012. To my horror I attended a further work focussed interview today and I was told my contribution based benefit had stopped, I could not claim anything, including jobseekers allowance because my husband works I would not be eligible. I was never told that this benefit was limited to 365 days and the advisor said "sorry about that". I don't know which way to turn because I'm too ill to find a job. I've even rung the Samaritans today because I feel suicidal. I'm left with no money and no help to find a job. The advisors on the helpline are like robots and just say "computer says no". I'm just left in a mess with their only advice "write to your MP". I don't know if I can appeal and try to be put in the support group but they tell me that you have to be terminally ill to do this. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you so much.

Thank you Gordon for replying so quickly. I did fill in an ESA50 which I sent to ATOS in November but have received no reply from them. As my payments have stopped will they still be looking at my ESA50 or does it mean my ESA has finished completely? Very confusing. Thank you.

Hi Greaty,

I too will be in the same position when my CB ESA runs out in February, and honestly don't know what to do.

What I can't work out is, why is would be worth filling in forms, attending medicals to remain in the WRAG but not get any money, only NI credits.