ESA Help - sick with worry

TezT

Hi there, I'm sick with worry about this could anyone give me some advice, ?
I fractured my back my back in a car crash last year, I have nerve and muscle damage along with bladder problems, unable to bend over and struggle to walk having server weakness down my right hand side, I spend most my time laying down, as I get sever Spasms in my back if I sit or stand for more than 15 minutes.
I had a letter from the Jobcentre saying I had to go for a medical assessment; I don’t travel to well in cars, but had to do it as the letter said I may lose my ESA.
A the assessment waiting room I had to wait for over an hour as they were very busy buy the time I was seen I was in agony and very uncomfortable.
I received a letter yesterday saying that I have been placed on a Work Related Activity Group,
as quoted: ‘carrying out reasonable steps to manage their condition and help move towards the workplace by undertaking any relevant activity’
What does this all mean, will I have to go back to work, in the condition I’m in?
Do I have to go for more interviews and medicals at a later date?

EltonJohnFan

I'm really sorry to hear of your situation,

First of all, don't panic! it's not as bad as it sounds. Being placed in the "Work Related Activity Group" generally means that through time you'll be expected to return to work and will have all the relevant support and advice requited to help you do so. If you genuinely feel that you should be in the "Support Group" then please, by all means, put in an appeal with as much evidence as you possibly can. I wish you the very best of luck whatever happens, take care and again, don't worry too much

Hammyman

+1. Nobody is expecting you to immediately be looking for a fulltime job. Its to assess if there's anything you could do in the future and if you may need any training to help you if you need to have a change of career.

zee_2

I could be wrong , but if you have serious mobility problems and doctor would confirm , you are within your rights to ask for home visit to check you .

TezT

I'm also being tested for Crohn's disease/colitis with the back problems I just cant handle the thought of keep having to travel to all these differant appointments.

if/when i'm dignosed should I update them off this?

MrsManda

TezT wrote: »

I'm also being tested for Crohn's disease/colitis with the back problems I just cant handle the thought of keep having to travel to all these differant appointments.
if/when i'm dignosed should I update them off this?

You don't need to inform them unless you are able to work or your situation changes and you want to be reassessed. However I am undergoing tests myself and I've been contacting the DWP every time I've had another hospital appointment/admission. When I call I'm always told that although it won't affect my claim and I don't need to tell them, it doesn't do any harm and may help when the claim comes up for review.

As for being placed in the WRAG, please don't worry about it. You will at some point get an appointment letter asking you to see an advisor to discuss ways that the JC can help you in order to improve your chances of going back to work. If you are unable to travel due to your illness, call them as soon as you get the letter to see if there's a way they can come to you or do the interview over the phone. When I got my letter I called to say I had difficulty leaving the the house and would it be possible to rearrange. They were really good and arranged for someone to call me at my interview date/time rather than my going into the JC.

After my initial interview the advisor offered to put a deferral on my Work related interviews. This was because in discussion with me it seemed that there was currently little they could do to help me. I agreed and got a letter a few days later to say I would not be required to have any work related interviews for 6 months though if I wanted them reinstated or wanted to speak to an advisor I could call them to arrange it.

Be calm, polite and honest and I'm sure you'll find them willing to help. Hope you find relief soon.

suelees1

If you can get medical evidence that a domiciliary visit is necessary then it should be arranged.

TezT

Thankyou, this has put my mind at rest, I'll get my Wife to give them a call Monday.

I feel so unhappy with the rapid weight loss and being unable to anything to help at home, this is one more thing off my mind..

suelees1

You do sound as though you might meet the conditions for DLA so I'd suggest you make a claim for that as well

happyhaddock_2

Hi I've no advice but just wanted to say your post touched a nerve with me, and I really hope you get this sorted and continue to make progress with your unfortunate condition.

TezT

I'm very lucky to have a very supportive wife..:)