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Hi @tiggs9
So just to be clear, are we looking at three refusals here? PIP for you, PIP for your partner, and ESA for you?
With all of these benefits the appeal process has two stages - (1) Mandatory Reconsideration; (2) Appeal.
I think you need to just double check that stage (2) is live. CAB have got you to sign forms, but what were they and have they been submitted?? If appeal forms (SSCS1) have been sent to the Tribunals Service either by yourself or on your behalf by the CAB, and the cases are waiting to be listed, then yes you are right in thinking you are now just waiting. If the appeal forms have not been sent then urgent action is required. You would not be out of time to send late appeals, but would certainly need to deal with this right away.
Even if your appeals are all in and logged with the Tribunals Service, you could still be working on the appeals by gathering evidence and preparing yourself for the hearings - if the CAB are representing you speak to them about this - if they are not, then have a look at their website about what might be useful:-
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/appeals/apply-to-tribunal/
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/challenging-an-esa-decision/
On an unrelated note - if your partner is claiming Pension Credit, then there may be little point in appealing the ESA decision in any event. If he is not claiming then look into whether he could https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/older-people/benefits-for-older-people/#pension_credit if he is already getting this, then this should be a joint claim, and he should not just be giving you 'what he can afford' but recognising that this is a joint claim designed to support you both equally.
Hope this helps
Kind regards
Mary
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