ESA-work related activity group?

happygolucky0708

Hi there,

I would be grateful if someone could give me a pointer in the right direction as I'm finding the new esa benefit so difficult to understand.

1 if placed in the work related activity group (as I understand most claimants probably will be) does one need to send in further doctors certs?
2 what exactly is expected of a person if I was placed in that group, and what consideration is given to existing medical conditions such as social phobia and panic attacks and do the people who deal with you face to face i.e administer the group have any medical training, and what happens if they think you dont fit in that group or they see its causing you a lot of distress, do they have any say or can report to higher authorities?

thanks for any answers

Uncertain

I can well understand how difficult you are finding it to understand. I have had similar problems and often find it impossible to get through on the phone. Several of my questions have be answered by kind people on this forum.

I THINK you do not need to provide further certs once you have "passed" the medical. During the assessment phase I was sent reminders with a reply paid envelope a few days before the cert ran out. I would assume that if the reminders stop then the need stops.

That said, I would imagine most people unable to work on medical grounds see their GP regularly - I do - so it should not be hard to get a certificate just in case.

I have to say that, during the assessment phase when I had to attend work focused interviews, the pople I saw could not have been nicer. As I know myself, it is a very delicate balance between keeping away from all possible situations that can cause attacks or trying to expose oneself gently to difficult situations. Your doctor should be able to advise. If he feels that attending these interviews would be bad for you I'm sure he could write and explain this.

The objective is to help you try to find some employment that will be stimulating and is possible within the restrictions of your illness.

I wish I could help more.

Molly41

Im also wondering what happens after six months in Work related group? You attend six WFI then what happens if you still not fit to return to work?
Many thanks for response

sharski

Molly41 - if you have attended all 6 of your WFIs, you will not be required to attend another mandatory interview for 3 years or if you pass another medical (whichever is sooner). As for your ESA - you will remain on it until your either declare yourself fit for work or you fail a medical....

Happygolucky - if placed in the 'work related group' you will be required to attend a series of 6 appts (as mentioned above) as part of your claim. If you are struggling with your health, your adviser can 'defer' any of these appts for a short period of time. However, no adviser can over-rule a decision about which group you are placed in, so they will only 'put off' your interviews but you WILL have to attend - very, very, very few people end up in the 'support group' because there are very, very, very few people who can do 'no work' at all.

NASA_2

Something like 25% of people are passing the medical assessments I hear.

sharski

TBH ESA........... it's even less than that in my office...

NASA_2

sharski wrote: »

TBH ESA........... it's even less than that in my office...

IMO that's good to hear.

The only problem is that the appeals will start to stack up.:think:

cit_k

sharski wrote: »

very, very, very few people end up in the 'support group' because there are very, very, very few people who can do 'no work' at all.

Do most of those people incapable of doing 'no work' at all work for the DWP and Jobcenters (or failing that become MP's)? Certainly seems that way from my experience...

Uncertain

cit_k wrote: »

Do most of those people incapable of doing 'no work' at all work for the DWP and Jobcenters (or failing that become MP's)? Certainly seems that way from my experience...

Do you really think this kind of remark helps?

Like many I am totally frustrated by the system but I've not had any real problem with the individuals. It can't be an easy job and I doubt it is very well paid!

Molly41

Well the question is "Will I be one of the 75% who fail the medical?"

Ive just had mine...today. Very stressful and felt quite humiliated at times. Guess that the point of the exercise? Feel humiliated by the comments of DWP on here. Paid in my NI contributions, worked all my life.

Anyway will probably be increasing your work load soon by appealing....Sorry....NOT

Uncertain

Molly41 wrote: »

Well the question is "Will I be one of the 75% who fail the medical?"

Ive just had mine...today. Very stressful and felt quite humiliated at times. Guess that the point of the exercise? Feel humiliated by the comments of DWP on here. Paid in my NI contributions, worked all my life.

Anyway will probably be increasing your work load soon by appealing....Sorry....NOT

Regardless of the rights and wrongs you might just as well appeal should you fail. Come what may you will continue to get the basic rate while the appeal goes through. Try to get some evidence to support your appeal such as a letter from any doctor you have seen.