For what's its worth my advice for a tribunal is: Get to know the descriptors the legislation sets out. If you work your own points score out you know if your lawfully eligible for the benefit and then what you need to demonstrate at a tribunal.
To get into the Work Related Activity Group you need to score 15 points under these descriptors: (Note you can't add multiple scores under each descriptor, only one per descriptor counts.
To get into the support group its this criteria
The only other way is through the more rare route for
severe cases which is Regulation 31 (2). The Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013 Regulation 31 (2) states:
A claimant who does not have limited capability for work-related activity as determined in accordance with regulation 30(1) is to be treated as having limited capability for work-related activity if—
(a) the claimant suffers from some specific disease or bodily or mental disablement; and
(b) by reason of such disease or disablement, there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of any person if the claimant were found not to have limited capability for work-related activity.Obviously there is far more about the interpretation of these statements in the main Act however this is the "basic" essential knowledge if you want to be sure. The tribunal although a lawful court is set up for people who know nothing about the law so don't worry. It needs to be accessible to the "common person" so don't feel you have to be a lawyer, you don't. You can win without this knowledge but it sometimes helps to know what they are judging you against, word for word. Citizens advice can sometimes help and represent, if they have the people in your area. Note: There are other routes for other conditions the advice here is for people who have fibromyalgia as there primary diagnosis.
What was just added by Graciebaby is spot on. MOST people with Fibromyalgia do not get accepted at the first stage but rather on appeal or tribunal. Know the descriptors, if they apply to you do not give up, appeal, appeal appeal!
