thank you both for your answers, just wondered how come it seemed to take so much longer to sort out the backpayment after the tribunal than it did for sorting the backpayment for my severe disability payment which only took about a week. Arlene

Both are cheating us!! no way should it take so much time to deal with someone they have proof is cheating the system! the extra money taken to continue investigations can never recovered and i bet they never manage to recover all the money paid out to these claimants

I would happily tell them about my experiences with ATOS, as I'm sure would be many others......but can't see Panarama being willing to make that programme, they seem to be happy to help all media and the govt. paint all who are ill and/or disabled with the same brush.....fraudsters, malingerers and a total waste of space Arlene

I have seen that some people have had to wait 6-8 weeks for payment of their backdated ESA, is this the norm? and why does it take so long to process if they have the decision from the tribunal? Arlene

my problem with the program last night is not that they were showing people who were getting something they shouldn't but that they didn't balance that with a story about someone who has not been given what they need to live on. I will be doing exactly that.

yes the vast majority do struggle, my problem isn't with those who manage to get a little more to help them get by, but those who deliberatly set out to defraud the system either due to already being well off with good jobs several houses good cars and/or boats whilst saying they have nowhere to live and get social housing they then rent out for high rent and are unable to work due to their health and are actually doing so or those that are out playing golf, or football or sailing or partaking in whatever strenuous activity that takes their fancy whilst claiming DLA/ESA/IB which gives the govt. the chance to turn public and media opinion against all genuine people who are struggling with their health, and making the process so very difficult for those who need the help......sorry rant over! Arlene

these people get my goat almost as much as the govt. i wish that i could afford a boat or a car of any kind let alone a bentley, or i was well enough to play a bit of sport i'm lucky if i can afford heating and food!!! Arlene

oh right! thanks erika "none of the descriptors in Schedule 3 is satisfied and the appellant is not entitled to the support component" this was hidden under other info! didn't look properlly! take it this means i'm in the work related group then.....what a surprise even tho i had to take my daughter out of school to go with me yesterday and they asked me specifically why i wasn't able to attend on my own and i explaind that i go nowhere on my own due to the anxiety it causes me!......so how do i now attend the necessary 6 interviews?......why am i not surprised.....is there anywhere to find what u need to satisfy schedule 3 for the support component.......mind u not sure i have the will to fight anymore after 2 1/2 years to get to this point! Arlene

Anybody watching panorama re benefit fraud on now? any thoughts?

In my experience if you contact your adviser and explain the situation before hand explaining that you have a pre-existing appointment on that day that you are unable to change and was arranged prior to your signing on then they will usually send out a new appointment for you, and not stop your benefits. They can't expect you to have nothing else at all planned in your life....you have to show you are activly seeking employment and usually have to attend courses arranged for you to get your JSA....but you are allowed a life! Good Luck Arlene

The HCP that did my medical assesment said on my report that my behaviour was Bizzare....but also later described me as normal!!! my assesment was finished with a 0 points result. With support from a welfare rights support worker that i have had for the last year through a scheme from my local council we put together a good amount of evidence to support my claim. During my tribunal yesterday the judge asked me what the comment Bizzare ment i said i didn't know I didn't think i had behaved bizzarly except being nervous and anxious so was pacing in the room part of the time....also my physical health means i can't sit for long! The judge said it was a strange word for her to use when she did not explain the behaviour she found bizzare. I think it depends on your assessor as to what they allow and i can only reiterate try to get help explain your behaviour to the DWP and ask if you could please get another assesment, so that you don't have your money stopped, and you get your right to appeal if necessary. Please don't give up it is a very unfair system but it is possible to get to the end of the tunnel. I won my appeal yesterday going from 0 points to 24! Good luck Arlene

Hi jules i totally understand how you feel i have been fighting for ESA for 2 1/2 years......but to give you hope i won my appeal yesterday! The first time i applied for esa i failed the medical...told i was fit for work at a meeting with JCP was told i would be better off working so i found a job a few days later......i lasted 12 weeks but had 5 weeks off in that time and my employer said she was sorry but could not keep me on as i was not fit for work, and she would state that officially if required. As a result of going back to work and loosing HB and CT benefits i almost lost my home!!. Second time i appealed and lost as i was unable to attend due to my health. Another application and 12 months later with help and support (from charity local to me) i went to my appeal, i had all the points i wanted to make written down anything i disagreed with from the medical i made a note of along with why it was wrong, i was talking to the panel for 35-40 mins but they were friendly allowed me to put my point of view across and asked me questions they wanted clarified. 10 mins later i was called back in to be told i had won my appeal and the clerk gave me my Decision notice a few mins later. I hope this gives u hope that winning your appeal is possible, please look for some form of help and support CAB should be able to help u find someone local who can support you. Good luck with your appeal this time Arlene

could someone clarify what is meant by "the appellant meets the threshold of limited capability for work and is entitled to ESA" it has taken 3 esa application forms, 2 tribunals for me to get here, over 2 1/2 years of fighting for what i know i was entitled to! went from 0 points to 24 points in under an hour! hope someone can help