Has anyone appealed re not receiving ESA and can tell me what it was like?

[Kasparprinceofthieved]

Just that really ...

I've been receiving ESA due to being unable to work because of depression and anxiety. I failed my work capability assessment because I "can leave the house to pick up a prescription" and "prepare toast and microwave meals" for myself, therefore meaning I can look after myself and hold down a job

I also failed my mandatory reconsideration and have requested an appeal. It's coming up soon and I wondered if anyone had requested one and could tell me what to expect ... How many people are likely to be there, how long might it take, do they tell you immediately if you fail, what sort of questions are they likely to ask?

I'm so stressed by the whole thing, I can't sleep and I'm terrified about going to somewhere unfamiliar to talk to people I don't know, in a situation I can't prepare for or control ...

Thanks.

My gp surgery specifically states they do not supply benefit letters.

My counsellor hasn't dealt with this situation before. She hasn't as far as I'm aware sent any reports to my gp.

I feel like I have to fight all the time and I'm just tired of it.

I'd like to think that yes, the tribunal will listen and not twist everything I tell them like the hcp at the wca, but tbh I'm very sceptical now.

Just to update in case this is helpful to anyone else, I had my appeal this morning and was awarded ESA in the support group. It wasn't as intimidating as I expected to be honest, although I was shaking. There was just a female judge and a female doctor. It lasted about 45 minutes and they gave me the decision straight away. I'm so relieved. Thanks to everyone for the advice above.

Well done. i hope the advice was useful. To go from no award to support group is something that should be flagged up in the system. This is a fault of the WCA. It is costing government money to do these appeals and this kind of jump should not occur.

I agree. I went from 0 points to support group. I feel like the dwp were just determined not to pay, regardless. They drove me to utter despair and I was totally stressed, to the point of planning suicide. This shouldn't be allowed to happen.