Esa 10 months from state pension put on work programme...

chinna

Hi, my dad is 10 months away from receiving his state pension, he receives esa and is in the wrag. Went to the job centre with him yesterday and he got told he his being put on the work programme.
Told the advisor why when he gets his pension in October and the advisor said their were changes to the over 60's on esa in November 2012.
Just reading up on it and the providers will get £600 for him being referred. Why not use this money for people who really need it.
Anyone else over 60 who are in this situation.
Thanks.

bloolagoon

If your father is 60 he has 5 years left to work does he not? I think any government agency who discriminate on age would be on a sticky wicket. He should be treat the same regardless of age.

Does he have recent experience?

chinna

bloolagoon wrote: »

If your father is 60 he has 5 years left to work does he not? I think any government agency who discriminate on age would be on a sticky wicket. He should be treat the same regardless of age.

Does he have recent experience?

10 months from receiving his state pension makes him 64.

He's 64 not worked for a few years.

Horseunderwater

To Chinna

Can I ask why he did not appeal the decision to put him in the WRAG group at the time. If he had managed to get into the support group, which it sounds like he may have needed to be in, then none of this would have happened. Normally you need to appeal within 30 days of original award, but in some cases you can appeal upto 13 months on, providing there is a good reason for so doing. Other forum members know far more about it than myself.

jetplane

Do you not consider your dad to really need it or be worthy? While everyone is well aware of the performance and culture of these workclubs it could be an opportunity for your dad to learn new skills. He does not have to retire at 65 when he gets his state pension. It may set him up for a part time job that he enjoys or voluntary work or just new computer skills etc which he can enjoy in his retirement.

Many people have been left on the sick and think that they have nothing to offer or are afraid to take up voluntary work or classes incase it affects their benefit. On the other hand if your dad is looking forward to receiving his pension and retiring then 10 months is not a long time.

However there are also options for appealing or claiming again which he could discuss with the CAB if he really feels that he can not undertake any form of work.

nannytone_2

if he is 64, he doesnt need to be claiming ESA.
he could claim pension credit instead, and will not ve required to do any work related activity