ESA please help

Scotchmum7485

Hi all
New here and need advice
I started my esa claim in April 2016 after a bad relationship breakdown left me with severe depression and anxiety and a load of debt!

Didn't get my medical assessment till 30 may 2017 which I failed not so surprising after reading some posts on this forum. Whilst doing my mandatory reconsideration I had to claim jsa.
I received a letter today saying I had been put in a support group.
Do I need to sign off jsa or will I automatically be put back onto esa!?
And will I get backdated money !?
Any help and advice will be really appreciated and thanks in advance

UKTigerlily

Hi, if you've been put in the Support group, you're now on ESA & would have to end the JSA claim; I don't know if they will automatically end the JSA but you'd maybe be best to check. I thought ESA was still paid during an MR, but if not then it probably would be backdated
Someone will be along soon who knows more x

Scotchmum7485

No they instantly stopped my esa as soon as they decided I failed my assessment and I was told to claim jsa.
All they've done is cause more stress and anxiety.
I don't even know what support group means nothing is well explained in there letters hence why I had to join this forum. Thanks so much for replying to me tho x

xapprenticex

Have you been working on resolving your issues since last year, you've split up a while ago now so it would be a shame if its still preventing you from being able to work. Im assuming your mental health was fine before your split.

Have you taken any steps to tackle it?

Scotchmum7485

I have a Cpn but I had to wait 10 months on a waiting list for that too.
Don't think Dwp realise the amount of stress and anxiety all this causes people
I've always worked till this happened and now I'm completely clueless on what to do what a support group is and many other things
X

agrinnall

As other posters have said, as you are allocated to the support group that means you are now on ESA. I don't know whether you have to sign off JSA, you'd like to hope the systems are joined up but I wouldn't bet on it.

I found this from Citizens Advice on ESA and groups, if it doesn't answwer your questions it might be worth trying to get an appointment at CA to get them to explain things to you.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/while-youre-getting-esa/about-the-esa-groups/

Scotchmum7485

Thank you so much I really appreciate that x