WRAG ..... what if?

Scarab

I was actually put into the support group at the start of this month for 2 years after a medical I had undergone 7 weeks earlier, but I was wondering what would have happened if I'd got put into the WRAG, (which was apparently the other option they had 'for consideration' I was told over the phone) and felt unable to participate.
Obviously I'd have been sanctioned the WRAG element and ended up on the £67.50 basic rate, but would this element have been returned to me (as well as the WRAG to SG component) upon a successful appeal to be placed in the support group?
No one appears to know the answer on the b&w forum.

smileytiger

Surely sanctions depend on whether you were asked to participate....(not everyone has to depending on your capabilities someone told me - not sure if that's 100% correct like) My OH is in WRAG and has never been asked/told to attande anything in almost 2 years - some days he can't move let alone do much else...i'd like to see them sanction him for not participating.;)

rogerblack

Sanctions do not depend on your ability to participate.
They depend on the DWPs understanding of your ability to participate.
An appeal re-makes the original decision, as if it had been made at the time the other way.

You were never on WRAG, and you're paid back the difference between any rate paid and the support group rates.
Any sanctions no longer have effect, as they applied to a benefit you were not on.

Scarab

Thx guys, so basically what your saying is that if someone is put in the WRAG and told that they have to attend interviews, take part in various group meetings and generally take part in schemes that are work related (without actually being forced to seek work), if you turn around and say I'm sorry but I'm simply not up to this, they 'may' well say then we're sorry but we will have to sanction you down to £67.50 as we think you are.
On appeal you win a placement in the SG and are automatically repaid the full amount between the basic £67.50 and the £113.90 SG rate.
So essentially the DWP even if they've sanctioned you will have to return this, I suspected that might have been the case

rogerblack

Appeals are not, however, guaranteed, unless your case is really bulletproof, you risk not being put in the support group.
It's generally a good plan to try to comply with the WFI, unless it's going to cause you serious problems.
Attempting, and then not being able to make it reduces the likelyhood of any sanction.