appeal, appeal and appeal.. it’s a long and arduous process.. but from our experience (a close family member has had severe mental health problems since childhood) the appeal process in place at the moment, and the tribunal cases, seem to be a rather painful, but effective way of weeding out benefit cheats..

we were in a similar position to you, but at tribunal we were re-instated and backdated, and as it turns out, put onto a higher rate after they discovered that our previous claim had been dealt with wrongly too..

It’s an horrific time, and I have no idea how people with no savings, or no outside support cope.. I’m aware that some folk are completely unable to cope at all and there have been tragedies as a result..

I think though, that if you’re a genuine claimant, the appeal service and consequent tribunals are definitely there to help you.. (IME of course)