Work Related Activity Group

tyroleandancer

I recieved a lett this morning advising me that after my recent medical I have been moved from the support group to the WRAG group. A bit surprised as I have incontinence issues as well as being only able to sit for short periods. The letter doesn't tell me what is expected of me and I haven't had a telephone from an advisor. There is no mention of work groups or time frame till my next medical. What can I expect from now on please?
I may appeal depending on what the WRAG means to me.
Thank you

Muttleythefrog

I would advise calling DWP and asking for the medical report (ESA85) and a copy of any other evidence they used. If your circumstances haven;t changed then I would be tempted to appeal and make a case (ideally with supporting evidence) that the original reason(s) you were in support group still apply (if you know what they were).

You could be asked to take part in Work Focussed interviews (WFIs) at jobcentre or engage with 'work related activities' (WRA) such as work programme. WRA cannot include demanding you seek paid jobs or take paid work. There is a risk of appealing in that you could be found fit for work.

The ESA85 should contain a prognosis and that is likely to be used to determine timing of next assessment.

Your case is a reminder that you cannot take much for granted on ESA... at every reassessment assume that any decision could be taken and do whatever you (legally!) can to ensure they get it right... supporting evidence... good completion of form... keeping GP/specialists up to date about your problems relating to the ESA's WCA.

tyroleandancer

Muttleythefrog wrote: »

I would advise calling DWP and asking for the medical report (ESA85) and a copy of any other evidence they used. If your circumstances haven;t changed then I would be tempted to appeal and make a case (ideally with supporting evidence) that the original reason(s) you were in support group still apply (if you know what they were).

You could be asked to take part in Work Focussed interviews (WFIs) at jobcentre or engage with 'work related activities' (WRA) such as work programme. WRA cannot include demanding you seek paid jobs or take paid work. There is a risk of appealing in that you could be found fit for work.

The ESA85 should contain a prognosis and that is likely to be used to determine timing of next assessment.

Your case is a reminder that you cannot take much for granted on ESA... at every reassessment assume that any decision could be taken and do whatever you (legally!) can to ensure they get it right... supporting evidence... good completion of form... keeping GP/specialists up to date about your problems relating to the ESA's WCA.

Thank you I requested the medical report over 2 weeks ago but nothing yet. I'll ring them again.
I think part of the problem is my condition cannot be treated just managed conservatively therefore apart from my medication I rarely bother my GP as there is nothing they can do.

Horseunderwater

Can I ask if the incontinence issues happen at least weekly? If yes then you should qualify for the Support group. That is how I got into it. (WRAG is once a month) - see descriptors. Use that as the basis of the appeal. Along with the medical evidence and other bits requested.

tyroleandancer

Horseunderwater wrote: »

Can I ask if the incontinence issues happen at least weekly? If yes then you should qualify for the Support group. That is how I got into it. (WRAG is once a month) - see descriptors. Use that as the basis of the appeal. Along with the medical evidence and other bits requested.

Thanks for replying. I have loss of control at least daily and I told the doctor that in my medical.
I will look at appealing.

Cpt.Scarlet

Just to be clear, the relevant ESA descriptor requires you to have to clean yourself AND change you clothing as a result of the episode.

tyroleandancer

Cpt.Scarlet wrote: »

Just to be clear, the relevant ESA descriptor requires you to have to clean yourself AND change you clothing as a result of the episode.

Yes I did say I have to change 1 - 2 times a day.
Thank you

boysim34

same here, my partner has crohn dieseas and epilespy, he was put in to the wrg group even though he has bowel problems at least 2 a week. he's got to go for his first interview on thursday we will see what happens there. his doctor is on his side, if that means anything and there is no problem with getting sick notes if we appeal. but the question is can we afford to appeal due to the lenght of time it takes

Muttleythefrog

boysim34 wrote: »

same here, my partner has crohn dieseas and epilespy, he was put in to the wrg group even though he has bowel problems at least 2 a week. he's got to go for his first interview on thursday we will see what happens there. his doctor is on his side, if that means anything and there is no problem with getting sick notes if we appeal. but the question is can we afford to appeal due to the lenght of time it takes

Just to confirm.. no sicknotes will be required if you appeal... as he was found to qualify for WRAG. If you feel a support group descriptor (or more than one) applies then consider appealling.. and try to get directly supportive medical evidence. Make sure you don;t run out of time to appeal if that's what you decide to do.