I've copied this to the Steam Room thread.

I got the report from the ESA medical this morning. I scored 0. I cannot believe it!
I am on higher rate mobility DLA, I was medically retired last year at 47 from the Police.
The doctor who examined me was lovely and I thought his English was quite good (I'm not being sarcastic). He asked me direct questions about how far I can walk. Watched me hobble from the waiting room with my walking stick etc etc.
Nowhere on the report does it mention appeal, but I phoned the ESA office straight away and asked to appeal. The lady on the phone was very sympathetic and stated that she has had a lot of people wanting to appeal, that a lot of the medical reports have seemed strange and even people on chemotherapy are getting a 0 score.
WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON!
I won't even get any extra money if I am successful, only my 'stamp' paid, but I still need that.
I really don't need this hassle. If it wasn't for hearing about other fiasco's on the forum I would be really upset and worried, now I'm just cross!
Feel better for the rant!
Jan xxx

Unfortunatly not. Because my husband is in work and I receive a reasonable pension, I do not get any money.
The old Incapacity Benefit used to pay on top of your pension, but then that was stopped and your pension is taken into account. Shame!
Jan x

Hi Jan,

You need to accumulate 15 points over the whole assessment so you may get 9 for the pencil holding bit but then still need to get six points on another point/s.

I only found this site after my assessment ... I think it helps to know how the questions are going to go and how best to answer them to your advantage (honestly. of course)

Best of British to you

Joanna

Well my turn has come. I've been off work for 28 weeks now. I can no longer recieve SSP and my enployer has asked me to claim Employment Support Allowance and very quickly heared back that I will recieve £65 based on my N I contributions which is good news. I have returned the ESA claim form and think that, along with everyone else, that I will not have enough points to claim. I'm trying to find out if I will need to pay back the allowance that I will have received before I have been turned down. I don't want to spend it and then they want it back, it will most likely be weeks before I have the interview and the medical. Can anyone advise me. I was following Dylans thread before. If you are still sorting yours out Dylan you must have come accross this. Thanks. Glenys.

Hello,
I really feel that this government has got its wires crossed. I have been on Incapacity benefit since October 2008 and no longer send in doctors notes after they got a report from my doctor and consultant. However I would like to go back to work if I can find a job that I can do and pays more than I get now which shouldn't be too hard. However I cannot find anyone to give me any support and help in this matter. All I get is things like we will help you with your CV. I don't need that I have a good CV already done I just need help to get in front of the interviewer! It is really stupid they do not seem to have a clue about what they are doing.
Every government department is the same I am having trouble with the tax office who have said they have twice sent me my tax refund and I have not received it. It is a lot of money to me and is causing me considerable stress. They just keep blaming the Royal mail. It has been going on since January.
Sorry to rant on but it is how I am feeling right now.
Jayne

Appeal failed.... now to tribunal.
Read doctor's report... horrible man.... 'she retrieved handbag from floor from sitting position with no problems' 'sat for 25 minutes and only appeared to be in discomfort once, did not need to stand up' 'no problems stepping onto step beside couch' etc etc etc. grrrr. I don't even qualify for any money, only want my 'stamp' paid, but that would still mean I appear on government stats. Hard not to get very wound up!
Jan x

I'm devastated for you Jan, it's disgusting !

Wishing you all the very best for the tribunal.

Love, Doreen xx

Hi all

I am on incapacity and have sent in my ib50 and I just know I will be called for a medical. Unfortunately I was feeling ok when I filled in it and I seem to have short term memory, but now after a realtively but not extremely busy time I feel I have hit the wall and feel so tired that i feel ill. Just worried about the type of work I can get as I just dont feel I can be reliable. i wish someone would tell the government where to get off and stop this extra pressure.

Hello All, I've been for my ESA medical today, just have to wait now. Has anyone any news on their appeals? Glenys. x

Thanks Joanna she was lovely. I'll let you know. x