Esa

GirlFromMars_2

Gaz1971 wrote: »

So am I right in thinking they process your claim, put you on the assessment rate for 13 weeks while they sort out medicals etc?

What happens when you are put in a group? Do you have to attend the JCP?

Unless you supply good medical evidence along with your ESA50 form (a few weeks into your claim) so that they can group you without a face to face assessment, you are likely to be on the assessment rate for longer than 13 weeks. If you are subsequently placed in a group it will be back dated to that point though.

If you are placed into the Work Related Activity Group WRAG then you will have to attend the jobcentre, this can be anything from daily Work Programme activity, to a once a year appointment. When I was in the WRAG I had one phone appointment, and that was it.

If you are placed in the Support Group then they leave you alone on the whole.

I'm interested to know why all the questions? Are you worried about something in particular?

Gaz1971

Its all new to me, so I like to get as much info as possible before diving in.

At what point should I sign off JSA?

GirlFromMars_2

I believe you can convert directly from JSA to ESA. Hopefully someone will be along shortly to tell you the best day to put in your ESA application (in relation to your usual sign on/payment day.)

Honestly, it's such a slow process these days you will have plenty of time to prepare for each separate stage.

So, firstly get that medical certificate, and get your application off.

Then secondly think about getting medical evidence to support your ESA50 when it comes, this can be in the form of a letter from your GP. And make sure you read the ESA schedule 2 and 3 descriptors to see which apply to you so that you can fill out your form with the descriptors in mind. (And your medical evidence can reflect the descriptors as well.)

paragon909

Gaz1971 wrote: »

Its all new to me, so I like to get as much info as possible before diving in.

At what point should I sign off JSA?

Well you cant convert JSA into ESA.

You can claim ESA the day after you close your JSA claim, ESA claims for the first 7 days is self certified so you wont get paid for that, after which you need a sick note from the doctor to enable them to start paying. This is a ESA rule which all claimants have to do.

After you go for a WCA face to face with MAXIMUS they will compile a report and send it to DWP decision makers, and the decision makers will decide if you meet the ESA criteria i.e. if you get 15 points, If you do then you get put on support group which doesn't require work related courses or jcp visits, if your on wrag group you might need to still continue going to a work program and jcp appointments.

JaneDoeJohnDoe

I'd close JSA claim by stating on sign-on day that you intend to claim ESA the same day when you get home from signing off. Could ask JCP to fax off fit/sick note. BUT remember that if you get Housing/Council tax benefits to keep local council 'in the loop' so you won't lose out on that.

Poppie68

Gaz1971 wrote: »

So am I right in thinking they process your claim, put you on the assessment rate for 13 weeks while they sort out medicals etc?

What happens when you are put in a group? Do you have to attend the JCP?

Mine was a txt book claim.....No assessment needed and placed in the Support Group at 14 weeks...... Depending on your medical evidence and conditions you unfortunately could see yourself on the assessment rate for many months before being assessed.

If placed in the WRAG....Work Related Activity Group then yes you need to attend the JCP.
If placed in the SG.....Support Group then no attendance required.

Dan27

First of all , get a sick note then apply for ESA by telephoning no on gov website. Hopefully they will then say to you as your going through your claim with them that you have 48 hours to sign off JSA. Then end claim for JSA accordingly. At least that's how I did it and it worked for me.

Dan27

They will send you a ESA50 form for you to fill out so that you can go into detail about how your illness/disability effects the way in which you live/work in day to day living. Think about things that you struggle with doing that may hinder work partices. Read every question carefully and answer as best as you can. Take your time, if you can get a friend to help you fill out the form with you. They may be able to advise you on things to put down. Alternatively go to your local CAB who will go through the form with you. After you've sent form back. Usually give you a month but can get longer if you need to. I believe you then either are accepted for ESA and put in a group depending on evidence sent with form. Types of evidence you can send in are explained within the form. Or you go on a waiting list for a WCA. Whilst waiting you remain on assessment rate.

Gaz1971

Thanks all for the help, much appreciated.

Gaz1971

Is it down to the points you get as to which group you are put in?