ESA "Health and Work Conversation" Question.

Fenris

Hi all,

Quick question. I received a letter today saying I have to attend a "Health and Work Conversation" in January. Having never seen one of these before, I've had a Google and it seems that only new ESA claimants need to attend. Is this correct? Or does everyone have to attend one?

I've been on ESA (and before that Income Support) for many years, so I'm not a new claimant. Just want to check the rules before I contact them and can't find a definitive answer via Google searches.

Cheers!
Fen.

biggysmaller

How odd. I understand that this is for new esa claimants before it is decided what group they are in. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/3647-being-asked-about-your-values-could-lead-to-an-esa-sanction

I would visit your local CAB and ask them to phone the DWP!

Alice_Holt

Which ESA group are you in - WRAG or Support Group?

If you are in the WRAG group this is likely to be part of your mandatory Work Focused Activity.
When was your last Work Focused Activity, and what did it consist of?

Some info here:
https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/403081/response/1002168/attach/3/HO%2001.02%20HWC%20work%20coach%20booklet%20v3.0.pdf

Fenris

Sorry for the late reply; I tried responding before Xmas, but my laptop fritzed out halfway though my post!

Thanks for the info.

I'm in the Support Group and have been for several years.

I've written a letter to the JC involved explaining that I'm not a new claimant and that I'm in the SG, so I'll see what they say. Will update if/when I get a response.

Happy New Year to you!

Fenris

Quick update in case anyone is having a similar issue.

After hand delivering the letter to my local JC, I got a call a few days later saying this was a mistake on their part and offered apologies.

So yeah, I was right and I should never have been "invited" to attend.

Thanks again for the replies. :beer:
I'm off to enjoy life (as much as I can!) for a while until the next bombshell hits.

Fen.