employment and Support allowance

lyniced

I have just been awarded the above. I already get DLA (Higher rate for both) and have given up work because I am too disabled now. Anyway, my question is - will I have to go to any training sessions to still get my benefit? I am in a wheelchair full-time and am finding it increasing difficult to get anywhere. My doc has signed at 6 month sick note, which is reviewed in November.

I understand that the government wants to 'weed out' all the people who can work but won't, but I seriously can't even stand up for more than 5 seconds and feel I couldn't even get to an assesment session.

Any help would be appreciated.

Indie_Kid

It depends what group you get put in. You'll more than likely get a medical.

lyniced

sh1305 wrote: »

It depends what group you get put in. You'll more than likely get a medical.

What does that mean?

System

lyniced wrote: »

What does that mean?

When you say you've been awarded ESA do you mean you have applied for it and are in the assessment phase, or do you mean you're in the main phases (usually after a medical)?

If you've already had a medical then you'd be in either the Support Group or The Work Related group. If you haven't had a medical then you're on the asessment rate and will soon be called up for one, and after that they will decide which of the formentioed groups you're in.

How it works
Employment and Support Allowance consists of two phases:
the assessment phase rate is paid for the first 13 weeks of your claim while a decision is made on your capability for work through the Work Capability Assessment
the main phase starts from week 14 of your claim, if the Work Capability Assessment shows that your illness or disability does limit your ability to work.

There are two groups within the main phase:
Work Related Activity Group
If you are placed in the Work Related Activity Group, you will be expected to take part in work focused interviews with your personal adviser. You will get support to help you prepare for suitable work.
In return, you will receive a work related activity component in addition to your basic rate.

Support Group
If you are placed in the Support Group because your illness or disability has a severe effect on your ability to work, you will not be expected to take part in any work. You can do so on a voluntary basis if you want to.
You will receive a support component in addition to your basic rate.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/esa/DG_171894

dmg24

You will be allocated to one of two groups, which will determine how much you receive and also whether you will need to attend interviews. Lots of information available here.

lyniced

Had a letter stating that I had been awarded the benefit and how much I was going to be paid

dmg24

How much are you getting? This will tell you what phase/ group you are in.

lyniced

Oh yes, and haven't had a medical. I have already received a part payment

Bubbles911

lyniced wrote: »

What does that mean?

If you havent had a medical then you are on the introductory rate and not in a group yet. There are two different groups of ESA, one is the support group and the other work. If you are placed in the work group then you will have to attend work based interviews which are to help you into a job you can do with your situation. The way they look at it is that you may not be able to do your previous job but if there is one job in the world they think you are capable of doing with your situation they will put you in the work group until they find that job for you.

Good luck

System

lyniced wrote: »

Had a letter stating that I had been awarded the benefit and how much I was going to be paid

Is this around the £65.45 mark or nearer £91.40-£96.85?


Sorry just trying to understand which group you may be in/stage you're at

lyniced

receiving £64.30 every week