Decision change on appeal of esa wrag

TOBRUK

In October I was transfered from IB to ESA Work Related Active Group after filling in a form (book!) and being placed in this group, like everyone in the position of ill health I was very worried. As the big change in Welfare Reform by this government is happening it is a worry, everything is new and there are a lot of stories of unfairness etc.

The problem I had with their decision was on reading the 'Medical Report' I requested that they based their decision on - it was full of descrepancies. On the basis of so many details that were incorrect I wrote to them to appeal against their decision.

I was then called for an interview at the job centre on 2nd January 2013 which I attended. The person who interviewed me said that he didn't expect me to look for work and he told me not to worry about the interview. He also said that he understood that I had appealed their decision and said that a large number had been successful.

That was that and I hadn't heard anything since. I had accepted that I was on the WRAG and wasn't that bothered as I had put them right regarding my situation in case something came up in future.

Well, about 20 mins ago the post arrived and I saw this A5 brown envelope, I could tell that this may be from the DWP and really didn't want to open it. I could tell that is was thin, probably one sheet of paper!! I had a bit of a shock when I opened it .... heading -

Appeal against disallowance of Employment and Support Allowance.

By now I was sweating and wondered what was next! It went on ....

A reconsideration has been made of your appeal against the dicision to place you in the Work Related Activity Group. As a result the decision has been changed and your appeal will lapse. This means that the appeal will not be forwarded to the Appeals Tribunal Service. You have now been placed in the support group for 6 months.

I wasn't expecting that!! I know it says 6 months but we all know that you can be called or re-assessed at any time with this new system. My GP told me after I had been placed in the WRAG in October to go to CAB as he had sent them a report and he asked me about it, he didn't agree with their decision! I hadn't gone to CAB as I was just going to go with the flow and see what happened.

The letter goes on to say that papers have been forwarded to the appropriate benefit section who will calculate any arrears of benefit that may be due. I don't think there is much difference in the amount between the WRAG and Support group.

For those of you waiting for a decision this took almost 7 months from my letter of appeal and this decision of reconsideration. I must say I was relieved that it wasn't going to Tribunal as it is absolutely stressful.

nannytone_2

it's about a fiver a week. if you were awarded for 6 months, you should expect the ESA50 through any day.... and the whole thing starts again ......

TOBRUK

nannytone, yes I understand that I could receive the dreaded form at any time. From reading the letter it does seem that the 6 months is from 1st May. although I wouldn't be surprised it will be sooner!

I don't know how they are going to keep sending out these forms every 6 months especially when you consider the number of claims AND number of decisions being overturned without tribunal - never mind the cost of those going to tribunal. Also they have begun the Universal Credit in some areas! All the changes to the system I wouldn't be surprised if the system will collapse with such fudge!

barney2k

Toburk, just spotted your post and was very pleased to see that you have been awarded support group. Hopefully it may be a long six months before they send the forms again. Its good to know that DWP can eventually get things right.