Incapacity benefit / work focus interview?

MrLeeLee

Hi all

I am currently on incapacity benefit due to having a cyst on the base of my spine pushing against the nerves around my spinal cord. I came off it a couple of years ago, but had to go back on it a couple of months ago because it's now affecting my bodily functions.

I recieved a letter a few weeks back saying I have to attend a work focus interview at the jobcentre of my benefit would be cut, I attended this yesterday and have been told I have to attend Shaw Trust 5 times within the next year (my first appointment is tomorrow!) They said it's because I came off and went back on that I am now getting the support of ESA, without being on it.

Does anyone know if this is normal? I have heard a lot about 'limited capability for work/support group/work related activity'. I done a few checklists and received well over the 15 points needed to be put on the support part, but I have not had any medicals.

Do I really need to go to Shaw Trust and risk having an accident, or has there been some mix up?

Thanks,

A very confused Lee!

dmg24

WFI's are normal on both IB and ESA.

MrLeeLee

Ahhh thank you for your quick reply.

I think I've got a bit confused as it states if you get over 15 points you wont need to go into any work related activity and you will be put on a support part which doesn't involve things like this.

I've just callled incapacity benefit and requested a medical because I haven't had one yet (and unfortunately I get well over 15 points) and they said they can't actually do nothing about medicals, it's sent to someone else. Seems bizarre that many people who clearly can't work have to go to these things, but I suppose it's there way of weeding people out :cool:

dmg24

MrLeeLee wrote: »

Ahhh thank you for your quick reply.

I think I've got a bit confused as it states if you get over 15 points you wont need to go into any work related activity and you will be put on a support part which doesn't involve things like this.

I've just callled incapacity benefit and requested a medical because I haven't had one yet (and unfortunately I get well over 15 points) and they said they can't actually do nothing about medicals, it's sent to someone else. Seems bizarre that many people who clearly can't work have to go to these things, but I suppose it's there way of weeding people out :cool:

This is incorrect - if you get over 15 points on ESA you get placed in one of the two groups. The number of points awarded does not directly relate to which group you are put in.

You seem confused as to which benefit you are claiming - can you clarify this with the JCP?

MrLeeLee

Thanks once again,

I am definitely receiving incapacity benefit, but the jobcentre said I would receive the support as if I am on ESA, without being on it. Not quite sure why!

Not quite sure what will be achieved by going to Shaw Trust for me personally when it's impossible for me to work (not through choice!) but I am sure it will be interesting nevertheless!

dmg24

MrLeeLee wrote: »

Thanks once again,

I am definitely receiving incapacity benefit, but the jobcentre said I would receive the support as if I am on ESA, without being on it. Not quite sure why!

Not quite sure what will be achieved by going to Shaw Trust for me personally when it's impossible for me to work (not through choice!) but I am sure it will be interesting nevertheless!

In that case, stop asking for a medical! They are not treating you as if you are on ESA, unless you were in an exempt group you would have been called for a WFI sooner or later anyway.

ash4becks

MrLeeLee wrote: »

Thanks once again,

I am definitely receiving incapacity benefit, but the jobcentre said I would receive the support as if I am on ESA, without being on it. Not quite sure why!

Not quite sure what will be achieved by going to Shaw Trust for me personally when it's impossible for me to work (not through choice!) but I am sure it will be interesting nevertheless!

tbh the shaw trust are no bother if only the job centre was run by them, all they did with me was check cv over , told me about the back to work insentive and showed me a few jobs that might be suitaible might be something you could do working from home something iam looking at as bit bored atm but if they dont see the point of you being there they sometimes tell jc that

WhiteHorse

ash4becks wrote: »

tbh the shaw trust are no bother if only the job centre was run by them

I had an interview with Shaw Trust.

During the course of the interview, I was informed by a member of staff that disabled people were 'parasites', and 'people who wanted something for nothing'. He also stated that his 'mission' was to give disabled people 'a good hammering'. This was repeated several times.

If there was ever an example of a charity going bad, that's it.

cit_k

dmg24 wrote: »

WFI's are normal on both IB and ESA.

WFI's are not normal on IB.

Never had one.

In fact, I dont think anyone gets them on IB.

cit_k

Take a look at the job requirements to work for the shaw trust, there is no requirement to have experience with working with disabled people, nor any need for any medical qualification or any qualifications that would help.

ash4becks

WhiteHorse wrote: »

I had an interview with Shaw Trust.

During the course of the interview, I was informed by a member of staff that disabled people were 'parasites', and 'people who wanted something for nothing'. He also stated that his 'mission' was to give disabled people 'a good hammering'. This was repeated several times.

If there was ever an example of a charity going bad, that's it.

iam gobsmaked i hope you complained i would have well kicked of and made sure that it was him marching to the job centre for a new job,

at the time i only had dyslexia and they really went above what they had to do they made sure i had a disabled jsa worker to fill in forms for jobs and said if i couldnt get someone free down there just to pop in and they would make time for me

i guess like everything it varys branch to branch