Wrag

weedave111

I'm in support group and hoping I can get my disability problem sorted asap so can I ask if I can do a course? I don't want to be like this as I can't stand being unemployed. I'd love to do a painting decorating course!

densol_2

weedave111 wrote: »

I'm in support group and hoping I can get my disability problem sorted asap so can I ask if I can do a course? I don't want to be like this as I can't stand being unemployed. I'd love to do a painting decorating course!

I personally found the JCP people lovely and falling over themselves to help me. Ive already had a meeting with the National careers advisor ( set up by my disability advisor ) .... Save that ended in a panic attack as I had to recount previous experience that made me ill

Im looking at free or reduced courses just to build confidence

Gaz1971

This is where I am going to have problems with them, they are going to judge my health according to their medical assessors report, which is all made up, so they are going to expect me to do things I am unable to do.

I had all this while on JSA and was told by them 'go on ESA and you won't be forced to take part in any work related activity, your health problems are taken into account', maybe so, but only if they accept you have health issues to start with. All I am going to get is 'our medical assessor says you can do it, and it's their advice we will follow, so do what we tell you or lose your money'.

pmlindyloo

Gaz1971 wrote: »

This is where I am going to have problems with them, they are going to judge my health according to their medical assessors report, which is all made up, so they are going to expect me to do things I am unable to do.

I had all this while on JSA and was told by them 'go on ESA and you won't be forced to take part in any work related activity, your health problems are taken into account', maybe so, but only if they accept you have health issues to start with. All I am going to get is 'our medical assessor says you can do it, and it's their advice we will follow, so do what we tell you or lose your money'.

So, do you think you should have been placed in the Support Group, perhaps under 'exceptional circumstances' that being placed in the WRAG group would make your condition worse? (would need to look up the actual wording!)

Have you put in an appeal?

It is extremely difficult to comment when we do not know what your disability is.

It has been recognised that you are not currently fit for work but having a 12 month 'label' suggests that you may be able to work in the future??????

Perhaps you need to address this issue.

What does your doctor say? Is this a long term illness/condition and there is no way it can be improved? Sorry, but perhaps if you told us about your disability it would help.

You seem to have a very defeatist attitude - is this because you are in pain?

Is there anything that your condition allows you to do? If there is, then focus on this at your interviews.

I'm sorry that I am waffling but it is best to focus on what you can do, rather than what you can't.

rogerblack

Gaz1971 wrote: »

This is where I am going to have problems with them, they are going to judge my health according to their medical assessors report, which is all made up, so they are going to expect me to do things I am unable to do..

No, they are not.
They don't get the report.
As I understand it, all people conducting work-focussed interviews get is the fact you're on ESA, which group, any 'prognosis' (end-date) you may have, and your primary condition, and notes made at last WFI(s).

They certainly do not have copies of your ESA50, or anything else.

The same applies to work programe providers, though I'm unsure if they get your primary condition, and believe they do not even get the notes from WFIs.

Any activity suggested for you will be on the basis of the person seeing you, perhaps for 15 minutes, perhaps with little knowledge of your medical condition.

Gaz1971

I suffer from severe depression and knee and back problems. I am unable to sit for long periods, unable to walk far or stand for more than a few minutes. During the medical, I was unable to do most of the things I was asked to do, yet she reported I have no problems at all!

I struggle to cope, mentally and physically on a day to day basis, medication for my depression makes me very drowsy, as does the 2 types of pain killers I am on for the knee and back pain. Until I have had some kind of treatment to improve these conditions, I don't feel able to do anything, my doctor insists I shouldn't be doing anything.

rogerblack

Gaz1971 wrote: »

I suffer from severe depression and knee and back problems. I am unable to sit for long periods, unable to walk far or stand for more than a few minutes. During the medical, I was unable to do most of the things I was asked to do, yet she reported I have no problems at all!

If the decision has been made in the last 13 months, then in principle you can appeal it, on the grounds you should be in the support group.

Gaz1971

The decision has just been made in the last 2 weeks, I have my first WRAG advisor appt next week.

The JCP staff told me when I was claiming JSA that as my health prevented me doing mandatory work related activity, I should go on to ESA as I wouldn't have to do any work related activity if I explained my health prevented me. I can see its going to be the same old story, do this or we stop your benefits, no different to being on JSA.

rogerblack

Gaz1971 wrote: »

I wouldn't have to do any work related activity if I explained my health prevented me. I can see its going to be the same old story, do this or we stop your benefits, no different to being on JSA.

Not quite.
This bit is true - if you explain, and they agree with you.