Wrag

Gaz1971

Hi all, how are we? I am claiming ESA, had medical, was given zero points, had phone call from decision maker who read out the medical assessors log of the medical, she has put different answers to what I gave her! SO, I go through it all again with the DM and she says I have enough points to sign me off for 12 months and put me in the WRAG.

How often do I have appointments at the JCP?
What is involved?
I expect the usual grief, in my view, I am unable to work, in their eyes, there is nothing wrong with me, so we aren't going to see eye to eye at advisor appts.

paragon909

Gaz1971 wrote: »

Hi all, how are we? I am claiming ESA, had medical, was given zero points, had phone call from decision maker who read out the medical assessors log of the medical, she has put different answers to what I gave her! SO, I go through it all again with the DM and she says I have enough points to sign me off for 12 months and put me in the WRAG.

How often do I have appointments at the JCP?
What is involved?
I expect the usual grief, in my view, I am unable to work, in their eyes, there is nothing wrong with me, so we aren't going to see eye to eye at advisor appts.

You aren't expected to look for work, But must attend interviews etc when asked, being in the wrag group is to prepare people back into work, Like focusing on work related activities as the name suggests, JCP should give you appointment with a disability advisor rather than a normal JSA one.

rogerblack

paragon909 wrote: »

You aren't expected to look for work, But must attend interviews etc when asked, being in the wrag group is to prepare people back into work,

No, it is not.
It is for those that meet the descriptors in order to get into the work-related group, but do not meet those in order to get into the support group.

Being 'prepared for work' is something the DWP may choose to do for those they believe are likely to benefit - it certainly does not happen in every case.

I would advise OP to get a copy of the updated decision under freedom of information regulations, and see if it is arguable they meet the support group criteria.
Being in the support group does not stop you seeking work.

stevemLS

rogerblack wrote: »

I would advise OP to get a copy of the updated decision under freedom of information regulations, and see if it is arguable they meet the support group criteria.
Being in the support group does not stop you seeking work.

Perhaps under Data Protection Act but FOIA does not apply to personal data.

Gaz1971

If you don't have to look for work, what is the point?

paragon909

Gaz1971 wrote: »

If you don't have to look for work, what is the point?

The point is, To get claimants ready for work who may have recently recovered from say things like long term anxiety disorders that require CBT therapy and what not. You couldn't really do that while you work. It's to get claimants to focus on getting back into work, Like attending training, seeing a regular advisor.

While in WRAG group you aren't required to look for work, As DWP have found the claimant to have a limited work capability which is normally determined by the assessment. When I got awarded ESA, The examiner stated which group I should be put in. And I was put into the group suggested.

You can however call DWP and get a statement sent out, But if you don't agree you can also ask for a mandatory reconsideration stating the reasons why you should be in the support group which is like incapacity benefit meaning you don't need to do anything except get your health better.

rogerblack

Gaz1971 wrote: »

If you don't have to look for work, what is the point?

Being found to be in the work-related group when it is unsuitable has a number of risks.

In principle, perhaps not if every member of staff you meet understands and believes in your condition, and you are able to communicate well with the DWP.

If, however you are referred to someone for 'work related activity' that is not actually helpful, and may be actually damaging your health and making you less able to get work in the near future, you have very little option to protest this, other than to either not do it and appeal the sanction, or to fail, and be sanctioned.

(if they do not agree that it is inappropriate when you ask).

The people making the decisions for who to refer on at work focussed interviews are not people with your full file in front of them.

They get only a brief 'headline' condition, and have to make all decisions in that 15 minute window. They are not specially trained at all in medical conditions.

Then there is the added issue that many work program providers (who people can be placed with) are often confused as to the requirements of ESA and JSA.

This can all 'work' if you're able to communicate your disability, the person in question believes it's real, and there is appropriate work-related-activity that can help you into work.

As an aside - work related activity that does not help you be more likely to gain or retain work is not work related activity under the welfare reform act.

Gaz1971

All sounds like the usual JCP bs, trying to make you do what you can't do, you say you can't work at all, they insist you can.

tomtontom

Gaz1971 wrote: »

All sounds like the usual JCP bs, trying to make you do what you can't do, you say you can't work at all, they insist you can.

So what can you do to improve your prospects in future? Or are you saying you'll never be able to work again? The WRAG can give access to free courses which might enable you to retrain if it is not possible to return to your old career.

densol_2

Ive just been put in the support group - but off my own back ive developed a relationship with the disability advisor at the job centre. I want to get my mojo back ( for want of a better description ) with the help of intensive psychology and my psychoatrist and the Disability advisor then get a small part time job to start with. Maybe its wishful thinking but Im not giving up hope

rogerblack

densol wrote: »

Ive just been put in the support group - but off my own back ive developed a relationship with the disability advisor at the job centre. I want to get my mojo back ( for want of a better description ) with the help of intensive psychology and my psychoatrist and the Disability advisor then get a small part time job to start with. Maybe its wishful thinking but Im not giving up hope

Quite - the support available - in many or most cases available in the work-related group is almost nothing.

For example, I was referred to the work program, and my entire engagement over the two years was one five minute phone call.

In many cases, activity you can take yourself to get you closer to work will be dramatically more effective.