Esa

Batch0x0

Hi

I've been on Incapacity Benefit for a couple of years but have now been transferred to ESA.
I attended an ATOS assessment a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday I received a phone call from the job centre to say I have qualified for ESA and that my benefit will continue to be paid into my account as normal but I will be expected to attend an appointment with the job centre every 13 weeks. The lady I spoke to from the job centre didn't explain which category I've been placed in and I wasn't thinking clearly enough at the time to ask her.

I haven't received anything in writing. Is it normal procedure for the job centre to notify you by phone instead of a letter? And which category does it sound like I've been placed in - the work related group or the support group?

rogerblack

This is the work-related group of ESA.
With the support group, you are not expected to do any 'work focussed interviews'.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/m-06-11.pdf - is a list of the criteria for the support group - you may want to consider if you fit into any of these.

The decision to place you on ESA is not effective until it has been notified to you by post, as I understand it.
However, they may post it to you, and it not get to you, in which case it's assumed (usually) that it gets to you next working day.

Batch0x0

Thank you, Roger.

amus

Yes its normal for the Jobcentre to ring to notify you of the decision, you should also receive it in writing in a few days.

You have been placed in the WRAG if you are expected to attend interviews at the Jobcentre, however, this in no way means you are expected to look for work, its an interview to basically keep in touch and discuss your disability and help you towards work in the future should you feel ready.