ESA Support Group

Mrs_Ryan

Hi all
I got a letter this morning from DWP telling me I had been placed in the support group. Just a few questions I've got;
1) I know this means I am not obliged to look for work but I've always worked and really still want to do something. Is there any help I can get with looking for a job? I have multiple problems, my mental ones quite complex which tends to put employers off so I would like some advice and back up while looking.
2) will this help my PIP claim in any way or are the two very different?
3) Also I have had no medical to determine this (thankfully as my anxiety and panic disorder would have likely got the better of me although I was prepared to fully co-operate) do they often do this? I don't have a great deal of insight so i see myself as more well than I actually am if you see what I mean.

Thanks in advance- this is all quite new to me and I want to make sure I'm right.

DomRavioli

Mrs_Ryan wrote: »

Hi all
I got a letter this morning from DWP telling me I had been placed in the support group. Just a few questions I've got;
1) I know this means I am not obliged to look for work but I've always worked and really still want to do something. Is there any help I can get with looking for a job? I have multiple problems, my mental ones quite complex which tends to put employers off so I would like some advice and back up while looking. You can voluntarily go onto what was known as the Work Programme, which is what you would be on if you were in the WRAG; they can help you get back to work, but beware that not all providers are decent. Might be worth speaking to Remploy if there's one near you, or your local Mind (you say you're having some problems with mental health, and they are pretty good with it)



2) will this help my PIP claim in any way or are the two very different? That is up for debate! They are both assessed, but PIP is not means tested (you can have it if you work, regardless of wages) and is based on care and mobility needs, not necessarily a diagnosis; if you fit the descriptors for PIP then you will get it - they are available on google and the disability rights alliance website.


3) Also I have had no medical to determine this (thankfully as my anxiety and panic disorder would have likely got the better of me although I was prepared to fully co-operate) do they often do this? I don't have a great deal of insight so i see myself as more well than I actually am if you see what I mean. There's been a recent change which means that it is unlikely they will call anyone for a repeat medical in the near future; however they can call you for a medical whenever they like, it is a condition of receiving benefit. If you would be unable to make it to a medical appointment, then if your GP/consultant was to write a letter of support stating you needed a home visit and why, then its likely they will arrange for a home visit which may be better for you.

Thanks in advance- this is all quite new to me and I want to make sure I'm right.

Hello OP, please see my replies in RED above, I've tried to answer it as generally as possible, but if there's anything you don't understand please let me know.

Indie_Kid

Some of the ESA descriptors may apply to PIP.

I had no medical either. It does depend on whether they have enough information to make a decision.

HB58

Just to warn you that, I believe, the Work Program becomes mandatory once you have voluntered to start it.

i_want_to_believe

HB58 wrote: »

Just to warn you that, I believe, the Work Program becomes mandatory once you have voluntered to start it.

If you opt to join the Work Programme as a voluntary participant, your participation remains on an entirely voluntary basis and cannot be mandated to undertake activity.

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/264161/wp-pg-chapter-2.pdf