ESA new claim

Dan27

I have only just started claiming esa. Anyways it seems my local JCP has already tried to get too involved. I have claimed since 4th February. Recently attended a voluntary group seminar on Monday 16th. On this only four people attended. It was just a quick meeting on how JCP could help you and sort of support you'd like. Then seen my previous adviser, whilst there after. Who proceeded to book me in for another appointment this Thursday. I went on this benefit from JSA as was getting stressed out and wanted a break from there really. Anyways I don't mind going every so often but how often are they going to expect me to go now Im on esa. Incidentally I was told Thursdays meeting is voluntary as well. Although they want a reason for not attending out of curiosity. If I didn't attend this adviser would ring me and rearrange. Please help as this is starting to stress me out how much they want to see me. May as well have carried on with JSA as doesn't seem to be much difference in attendance at job centre which is what I would like cut down on.

paragon909

Dan27 wrote: »

I have only just started claiming esa. Anyways it seems my local JCP has already tried to get too involved. I have claimed since 4th February. Recently attended a voluntary group seminar on Monday 16th. On this only four people attended. It was just a quick meeting on how JCP could help you and sort of support you'd like. Then seen my previous adviser, whilst there after. Who proceeded to book me in for another appointment this Thursday. I went on this benefit from JSA as was getting stressed out and wanted a break from there really. Anyways I don't mind going every so often but how often are they going to expect me to go now Im on esa. Indicentally I was told Thursdays meeting is voluntary as well. Although they want a reason for not attending out of curiosity. If I didn't attend this adviser would ring me and rearrange. Please help as this is starting to stress me out how much they want to see me. May as well have carried on with JSA as doesn't seem to be much difference in attendance at job centre which is what I would like cut down on.

When on ESA assessment rate which is just standard JSA amount you aren't expected to go to work programs or jcp courses etc at least until your work capability assessment and depending what group you get put in if successful will determine if you go to work focused interviews etc.

Maybe ask citizens advice or go to consumeractiongroup.co.uk where people are less judgemental and dont think there actually DWP themselves. The users on this site have a habit of interrogating users for self pleasure really with no intention on helping you, just so they can get a dig.....

help4help2013

once your placed in a group for your ESA either the

WRAG ( work related activity group ) you will be called for appointments by the job centre i think its 6 appointments a year im sure someone will confirm that for you theese appointments you have to attend though


SG (SUPPORT GROUP ) if your placed in the SG then these appointments will be voluntary only that's if your ever asked to attend any most people i know in the SG have never been asked to attend but ther is always a chance but it should be voluntary

helping_hand2014

paragon909 wrote: »

When on ESA assessment rate which is just standard JSA amount you aren't expected to go to work programs or jcp courses etc at least until your work capability assessment and depending what group you get put in if successful will determine if you go to work focused interviews etc.

Maybe ask citizens advice or go to consumeractiongroup.co.uk where people are less judgemental and dont think there actually DWP themselves. The users on this site have a habit of interrogating users for self pleasure really with no intention on helping you, just so they can get a dig.....

i completely agree

rogerblack

Work focussed interviews _can_ be required before assessment of condition for ESA.
However - it sounds like somebodies been confused, and you are being processed in some manner for JSA, not ESA requirements.

It is likely if you've been on JSA for a while that this was setup prior to your closing your JSA claim, and not cancelled in error, and everyone was assuming you were on JSA.

I do not believe there is anything preventing them asking anyone to attend anything voluntarily - even people off the street not claiming any benefit.

If you wish, give as a reason 'the medical reasons that lead me to claim ESA'.

Dan27

Thank you never thought of that. Yes can say the reason 'the medical reasons that lead me to claim ESA' because you don't have to disclose that information. It would be confidential.

Dan27

The group seminar was for people on ESA because they said it was when I was there. All the appointment on Thursday is about is what support they can offer me. Its voluntary for me to attend and not one of my work focused interviews that you have every so often. They write to you with those so its not a requirement of my claim to go on Thursday.

Dan27

I am unable to attend my voluntary appointment with you on Thursday 26th February at 13:30pm because of confidential and personal reasons. I look forward to seeing you soon for one of my upcoming work focused interviews.

I have just sent that to the JCP adviser. Many Thanks for all your help.

TELLIT01

From your OP I get the impression that your reason for claiming ESA is stress related. If that is the case then I would be inclined to tell the advisor that their constant requests for you to attend the JC are making it worse. Although your medical condition won't be made known to a 3rd party, the advisor will almost certainly be able to see your ESA history.

Dan27

Thanks will bare your advice in mind in future if need be. My ESA history at the moment would be claimed since 4th February. Attended voluntary group seminar on 16th February. Non attendance on a voluntary information interview or however they word it. Adequate reason given. The one guy at the Job centre last time said they cant mandate anything because your telling us your not work ready. I am yet to be assessed for a WCA and don't see anything to worry about. Best to worry about it when and/or if it happens rather than stressing before hand.

tazwhoever

If a person is found 'fit for work', can they disclose their health conditions when claiming JSA and to disability advisor? So that they are offered a suitable job.

Does this also affect the JSA agreement and partner has small child under 5?

Thanks