Please help ESA

louanna

I can't remember if I've already covered this but I was put into the working related group of ESA.

I have now moved across the country around 4 months back and have only been to the doctors to get my tablets. I know I should make an appointment to discuss treatments and other things but I find it so difficult to be sat face to face with someone having to communicate with them.

I went to an appointment at the dwp and it was horrible. This is my second appt since being put into the work related group and I was told today I will have to go to a back to work thing every two weeks. Well I started crying as soon as she said this as I just can't do it. There is no way I can deal with that. I just don't know what to do now. My sister has made me a doctors appt and I know I need to go it's just so hard.

I know this sounds so stupid but I am considering coming off of ESA if they are going to make me go every 2 weeks I can't do it. I was on jsa before esa and signed off as I couldn't go to the appts so I had no money for months. Luckily I live with family.

My question is is there any way I can appeal the decision now or is there anything I can do? I know I should have challenged it before but It was all so confusing and I was just glad to get it from all the horror stories that I didn't do anything. I just don't know what I'm going to do now.

Thanks in advance.

rogerblack

Yes. you can appeal the decision.
The problem is the grounds you'd need to appeal would be greatly supported if you had medical backup that it will cause you problems.

louanna

So I can still appeal the decision even though it's over a month since I was awarded esa? I have a doctors appt made now I just have to do the hard bit and attend.

NASA_2

You cant appeal the decision any more unless there is a valid reason for making a late appeal.

I think you have next to no chance in getting Support group though - you are capable of undertaking work related activity from the little that you have said.

I do sympathise though as I find it extremely difficult with GP's, therapists etc.

rogerblack

louanna wrote: »

So I can still appeal the decision even though it's over a month since I was awarded esa? I have a doctors appt made now I just have to do the hard bit and attend.

What I meant was you can appeal the requirements of the work program, if they're unreasonable for your condition.

gotintodebt

As far as iam aware you only have to attend 6 of these back to work things

louanna

@NAS thanks for your advice. If I felt I was capable of doing what was required of me in the work related activity group I would do it. I can't and that's why I am looking for information on what steps I can take to help.

@menher thanks for your advice. I think I have to face facts and go to the gp I have been needing to go for months but haven't been able to and have cancelled appts as I couldn't leave the house.

Thanks @Rogerblack I will look into that.

eskimo26

I plan on using the following if indoctrinated against my will into a work programme:

http://www.refusewp.com/refuse-work-programme/refuse-work-programme-part-1.html

http://www.refusewp.com/refuse-work-programme/refuse-work-programme-part-2.html

If enough people do this the work programme will no longer be profitable for the Government as a lot of their resources will be taken up with dealing with this.

Its also not to late for you to attempt to be removed from the programme as stated below:

Ipswich Unemployed Action publishes below a letter for those who have consented to Work Programme under Duress:-

Work Programme Network says:

August 16, 2011 (4 weeks ago) at 8:11 am
If you have participated on the scheme use the following letter instead: http://intensiveactivity.wordpress.com/2011/08/09/end-of-tory-dream-work-programme-branded-illegal/
Mandatory Work Activity and Work Programme are two different schemes. MWA has its own Regulations. http://mandatoryworkactivity.co.uk/explanatory-memorandum-social-security-advisory-committee.html
3 months for Mandatory Work Activity and 2 weeks for Work Programme.
The interesting point here is, it is not a loophole… Jobcentre Plus is mandating people on to the scheme without authority. The scheme doesn’t exist.

Remember its as much about the pressure as anything else. If everyone followed this the DWP would be buried under a mountain of work responding to claims of their illegality and breaking of the law, and it does seem they have no straight response to swipe these allegations aside which in itself is quite damning.

louanna

@gotintodebt I can't really remember what she said as I was too upset my sister was with me so she will know. I don't leave the house unless it's for dwp appts I know I am not ready to look for work If I say I am I'm lying.

gotintodebt

eskimo26 wrote: »

I plan on using the following if indoctrinated against my will into a work programme:

http://www.refusewp.com/refuse-work-programme/refuse-work-programme-part-1.html

http://www.refusewp.com/refuse-work-programme/refuse-work-programme-part-2.html

If enough people do this the work programme will no longer be profitable for the Government as a lot of their resources will be taken up with dealing with this.

Its also not to late for you to attempt to be removed from the programme as stated below:

Remember its as much about the pressure as anything else. If everyone followed this the DWP would be buried under a mountain of work responding to claims of their illegality and breaking of the law, and it does seem they have no straight response to swipe these allegations aside which in itself is quite damning.

These links are for JSA not ESA I thought my taking there money you agree to certain things and going to the WRP

System

gotintodebt wrote: »

These links are for JSA not ESA I thought my taking there money you agree to certain things and going to the WRP

Those in the WRAG can be sent on the work programme

Employment and Support Allowance and the Work Programme
If you’re getting Employment and Support Allowance and are in the work-related activity group there are rules about taking part in the Work Programme. You may have to take part from three months before the date your doctor expects you to be fit for work.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Jobseekers/programmesandservices/DG_197781

Not sure if the letters apply to it though