QUERY RE SUPPORT GROUP

HI, ive had severe mental health illness for over 14 years and i am in the support group of ESA. I am being reassessed at the moment, i put my forms into DWP/ATOS in November 2013, but still havent heard the outcome yet.

My question is this - I dont feel well enough to go into the WRAG, but i would like to try and do something, i thought maybe try online party plan kinda things. I know i have to inform the DWP if i do anything, but im worried by trying something they will put me in the WRAG because im trying to do something positive. I have read you can do permitted work, but im worried just trying to do something will encourage the DWP/Atos to put me in the WRAG group. iI feel i could be penalised for trying. Can you advise me please. Thank you.

Lynda wrote: HI, ive had severe mental health illness for over 14 years and i am in the support group of ESA. I am being reassessed at the moment, i put my forms into DWP/ATOS in November 2013, but still havent heard the outcome yet.

My question is this - I dont feel well enough to go into the WRAG, but i would like to try and do something, i thought maybe try online party plan kinda things. I know i have to inform the DWP if i do anything, but im worried by trying something they will put me in the WRAG because im trying to do something positive. I have read you can do permitted work, but im worried just trying to do something will encourage the DWP/Atos to put me in the WRAG group. iI feel i could be penalised for trying. Can you advise me please. Thank you.

Hi L,

ESA is an "out of work" benefit.

However, ESA recipients are allowed to do "Permitted Work".

If you were considering doing any form of work, you would have to inform the DWP.

Only the DWP can decide whether any work that you may do would be classed as "Permitted Work" i.e. you cannot assume that they would deem that any work that you may undertake would be classed as above, until they have confirmed it.

You should be aware that any work that you may do, as above, could be detrimental to your exisiting ESA award, if any of the duties involved in said work were in direct contradiction to the limitations that gave you your award.

Further, the assessing ATOS HCP would be aware of any "Permitted Work" that you may be doing at any future assessment/reassessment.

See :

Permitted Work

&

Work for people living with disability or health conditions.

bro58