In Wrong Group for ESA?

Sunflower001

Hi, Ive had my ATOS Medical and have now received a letter to say that I have been put in the Work Related Activity Group, but it also says that I have "Limited Capability for work addition" What does this mean? I thought I would have been put in the Support Group? as I have the complete backing from my 3 Consultants and GP that I should not go back to work due to my several Chronic serious medical conditions. Should I write to them asking to revise their decision and send all my Consultants, GP's letters etc to substantiate my claim? or drag myself through the 6 interviews, medicals etc, as a matter of process? Thanks

dmg24

The addition means that you have passed the WCA and been placed in the WRAG. You can request a reconsideration/ appeal, but have you considered that perhaps the interviews would be a positive step? Being in the Support Group would not exempt you from further medicals.

Sunflower001

Thanks dmg14, I am still employed at the moment and cannot see how these interviews would be beneficial to me and my present job, which is very stressful. It is stress that would be the biggest issue on returning to work, as I have COPD and a heart condition (6 stents) I cannot have a Triple By Pass which they recommended, because I would not survive the anestethic and therefore will not get any better. Previously, just trying to get to work was a nightmare and has this has now got progressively worse over the last year. I only have another 6 years to go before I retire.

dave030445

Sunflower001 wrote: »

Hi, Ive had my ATOS Medical and have now received a letter to say that I have been put in the Work Related Activity Group, but it also says that I have "Limited Capability for work addition" What does this mean? I thought I would have been put in the Support Group? as I have the complete backing from my 3 Consultants and GP that I should not go back to work due to my several Chronic serious medical conditions. Should I write to them asking to revise their decision and send all my Consultants, GP's letters etc to substantiate my claim? or drag myself through the 6 interviews, medicals etc, as a matter of process? Thanks

We all have backing from our consultants. Thats the group that everyone thinks they should be in but very few make it through that doors just be thankfully that you are one of the lucky ones that passed the medical.

AsknAnswer2

Sunflower001 wrote: »

Thanks dmg14, I am still employed at the moment and cannot see how these interviews would be beneficial to me and my present job, which is very stressful.

ESA doesn't assess your ability to do your present job, it assesses your ability to do any job. The support group is for people who are unlikely to be able to make a return to any job - for example those who are terminally ill with a life expectancy of 6 months or less. The WRA group is for people who have a limited capability for work but whom may be able to return to work at some point with the correct assistance and adjustments.

speedfreek1000

@ Sunflower

You can defer the Pathway interviews until a later date if you think that they will be of no benefit (due to the fact you are employed) or you are unable to go because of your illness. Although you have to go people have indefinably deferred (so for ever) these.

Also if you think that you are in the wrong group & should be in the Support Group then you can appeal the decision.

Although there is a minimal risk (I stress minimal) you will continue to be paid at the the higher WRAG level you have been awarded whilst waiting on the appeals decision.

I'd advise you seek help from Welfare Rights, a Charity or the CAB to see if they they think that you should be initially in the Support Group and also with the appeal as a whole.

Remember you only have a month form the WRAG decision to lodge your appeal.

A bit more info on appeals and complaints can be found here http://www.mssociety.org.uk/get_involved/policy_campaigns/key_issues/benefits_and_work/esa_appeals.html

Sunflower001

Thanks Speedfreek. I am still unsure as to whether to appeal on this or not really for fear of losing what they have rewarded me already. I think once I start attending the Pathways Interviews they will hopefully note my health details etc, and go on from there.

MrsManda

Sunflower001 wrote: »

Thanks Speedfreek. I am still unsure as to whether to appeal on this or not really for fear of losing what they have rewarded me already. I think once I start attending the Pathways Interviews they will hopefully note my health details etc, and go on from there.

If you decide not to appeal, when you get your first appointment letter give the office a ring and explain your worries.
When I received my letter I called the office as I have difficulty leaving the house alone, or rather I am physically able to leave but have periods of confusion and memory loss which means I may set off to the jobcentre and get there ok or I could miss the appointment because I've set off and got confused. The person I spoke to couldn't have been more helpful and arranged for me to have my first interview over the phone. It was just a basic chat and he said he'd put on my file that in future I should be allowed to have my interviews over the phone or at my house.
I got the general impression that all they're trying to do is help.

Sunflower001

Thanks MrsManda, that's useful advice. Much appreciated