Kerry from Wales, who has Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, was awarded Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) after having to attend a tribunal. Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Advocacy and Information Officer in Wales provided information and supported Kerry’s application.
After he was declined support from ESA he felt he needed support to challenge the decision and looked for more information on the Muscular Dystrophy UK website. Kerry was concerned that at the face to face assessment the assessor did not understand how his condition was affecting him.
MDUK has really helped with a very long battle and I am so thankful that I took my case to appeal and now have been awarded ESA. I was diagnosed with FSHD one year ago and it was then that I discovered the MDUK website which told me everything I needed to know about the condition.
Every stage of the appeal was very stressful and Kerry needed support to be able to continue to challenge the decision at mandatory reconsideration and then on to tribunal.
There were several delays; eventually Kerry went to Tribunal in January 2018. Extra evidence had been gathered from all healthcare professional involved in his care.
The tribunal was Kerry’s opportunity to explain the difficulties his condition was causing him. With the Advocacy and Information Officers support and the extra information gathered, he has now been awarded ESA.
Kerry said
My Advocacy Officer has really helped me in a very difficult time and getting the help and support that I needed.
Find out more about the work of our regional Advocacy and Information Officers here or you can email info@musculardystrophyuk.org and call our helpline on 0800 652 6352 if you required assistance getting the support you are entitled to.