Kept on: ESA work-related activity group APPEAL?

[Deleted User]

I went for a ESA medical on July 17th, and 2 days ago, the DWP phoned me and said "We have kept you on the work-related activity group" I said ok thanks. The guy then told me that I would have to start attending work-focused interviews and asked me if I was going away anytime soon? I said no and he said ok, your first work-focused interview with me will be on the 29th August

I was actually surprised because I was expecting them to find me fit for work ( 0 points) and have to go through the whole appealing malarkey which has happened to so many other genuine people.

(During the past year or 2 I have been on the ESA work-related activity group, never once did they ask me to attend a work-focused interview BTW)

I was wondering, am I able to appeal this and ask to be placed into the ESA support group? I have heard from people that its possible but there is a chance they might decide to take me off ESA completely and put me onto Job seekers. Does that tend to happen to many people??? And if I do decide to appeal, how do I go about doing it?

P.S I also receive low rate disability mobility and low rate daily living component benefits.

Thanks

tomtontom

Do you meet the SG descriptors? An appeal could remove your award, but the tribunal panel will usually give you the opportunity to withdraw your appeal if they feel that is likely.

Torry_Quine

Deleted_User wrote: »

I went for a ESA medical on July 17th, and 2 days ago, the DWP phoned me and said "We have kept you on the work-related activity group" I said ok thanks. The guy then told me that I would have to start attending work-focused interviews and asked me if I was going away anytime soon? I said no and he said ok, your first work-focused interview with me will be on the 29th August

I was actually surprised because I was expecting them to find me fit for work ( 0 points) and have to go through the whole appealing malarkey which has happened to so many other genuine people.

(During the past year or 2 I have been on the ESA work-related activity group, never once did they ask me to attend a work-focused interview BTW)

I was wondering, am I able to appeal this and ask to be placed into the ESA support group? I have heard from people that its possible but there is a chance they might decide to take me off ESA completely and put me onto Job seekers. Does that tend to happen to many people??? And if I do decide to appeal, how do I go about doing it?

P.S I also receive low rate disability mobility and low rate daily living component benefits.

Thanks

You can appeal and it will tell you how when you get the letter telling you the result of the WCA. You have only one month to send in your appeal and yes you could be found to not be entitled to ESA at all. The support group is very hard to get into so look at the descriptors to see if you fit any.

The WFI meant to be about helping you to prepare for when you are fit for work but in my experience is anything but helpful.

[Deleted User]

Thanks. Hopefully I will get a letter from the DWP tomorrow or Friday detailing me about the medical outcome.

It seems like it is very worthwhile appealing as if there is a chance of me having my current ESA removed, the tribunal will tell me to pull out?

Will I still have to attend work focused interviews while I appeal to be put into the support group?

P.S It seems like I will have to read the medical outcome very carefully to see if I qualify for the support group

HB58

Yes, you are still obliged to attend Work Focussed Interviews until your appeal is hears but you should not be forwarded to a Work Group. In reality, some JobCentre+ advisers will suspend interviews, or carry them out over the phone, but this is down to the individual.

epitome

Do you live alone?
Does anyone claim Carers allowance to care for you?

How much is your ESA paying you?

You have to ask for a Man Recon first.
And before you ask for that you should look at the SG descriptors to see which one you think you fit. Because DWP will arrange the DM to call you to explain why you are not allowed the SG.

Indie_Kid

The OP's previous threads suggest it's DLA he's on; so no-one can claim carers allowance for him.

lukieboy96

I didn't think it was DWP but Job centre who you had to see for WRAG. They do not pressure you to look for work they just want to know what is going on for you. I have had 3 WFI and they were fine.

lukieboy96

Deleted_User wrote: »

I went for a ESA medical on July 17th, and 2 days ago, the DWP phoned me and said "We have kept you on the work-related activity group" I said ok thanks. The guy then told me that I would have to start attending work-focused interviews and asked me if I was going away anytime soon? I said no and he said ok, your first work-focused interview with me will be on the 29th August

I was actually surprised because I was expecting them to find me fit for work ( 0 points) and have to go through the whole appealing malarkey which has happened to so many other genuine people.

(During the past year or 2 I have been on the ESA work-related activity group, never once did they ask me to attend a work-focused interview BTW)

I was wondering, am I able to appeal this and ask to be placed into the ESA support group? I have heard from people that its possible but there is a chance they might decide to take me off ESA completely and put me onto Job seekers. Does that tend to happen to many people??? And if I do decide to appeal, how do I go about doing it?

P.S I also receive low rate disability mobility and low rate daily living component benefits.

Thanks

It is not DWP who see you, it is the job centre

nannytone_2

the job centre are the public face for the DWP,
so yes, you are seen by the DWP staff at WFI's

Torry_Quine

lukieboy96 wrote: »

I didn't think it was DWP but Job centre who you had to see for WRAG. They do not pressure you to look for work they just want to know what is going on for you. I have had 3 WFI and they were fine.

The job centre is run by the DWP though so the comment is perfectly right.

You were fortunate with your WFIs. Mine have been awful and I've been told that unless I am under specialist care (there isn't one) or undergoing some form of course then I will be sanctioned!! Trying to explain that it's not possible was like speaking to a brick wall. I only get NI credits anyway so I'm not going to put myself under pressure to satisfy them.