Support group at last

Last December I was placed in the contributions based Wrag group,after being on invalidity and incapacity for over twenty years due to many physical conditions caused mainly by working underground for over 25 years my money was going to stop,I appealed and lost why I don't know,but I never gave up I pleaded with my doctor for help,I was sent for scans and X-rays which showed more damage than originally thought,I went to see a surgeon to get my back problems addressed alas he said the operation would not help in any way with my pain I have everyday,I asked him for a letter to send to the dss he obliged,I sent it away last month and I got the good news today that I have been placed in the support group,to say I'm delighted is an understatement,never give people keep fighting.

Congratulations!

Well done for persevering for so long. Very good advice about not giving up. I'm sure your story will encourage other members so thanks for letting us know.

That is good news P67 !!!

I gather that when you say "Last December" you mean December 2012.

You may be able to find out the recommended period before reassessment of your SG award (the prognosis) by ringing the 0845 number on the decision notice letter.

I don't want to put a dampener on things, but you should be aware that if you have already used up your 365 days entitlement to CB ESA whilst in The WRAG (from December 2012 to December 2013) that payment of CB ESA will only be made for as long as you can stay in The SG.

You would only maintain your 365 days entitlement to CB ESA (If not in The SG) if you had been placed into The SG as the result of a successful appeal.

As it seems that you have been placed into The SG as the result of a review/supersession, this will not be the case

Thanks for letting us all know.

bro58

Thanks for that,I don't know why or what part of the support group I now qualify for should I ask or just wait until the dreaded next form comes through the letter box?

Yes bro58 I know about the 365 rule,it was one of my reasons for fighting so hard,I've contributed fot over 25 years and because I was recieving a small pension I was going to be denied what I thought I've contributed all the years I've worked.

Hi mate, I also worked in the mines for 24 years,had to finish work with a back injury in 1992 .like yourself have been on invalidity, incapacity, last August went for a face to face and put in the support group, got a esa form again in January this year to fill in, when I went for first assessment ,I took my wife all my info from doctor ,consultant also got my local MP involved form my mining community ,Labour of course ,he wrote to the local jobcentre manager ,it helps to have this behind you,I bet you have knee problems and VBW and Miners lung ,don't let them grind you down mate,best advise get your MP involved , I hope he or she is Labour.