ESA WCA Groups - I don't understand.

Good evening

I wondered if you could help me understand the different groups that you can be put into following a work capability assessment for ESA please?

I have read quite a bit on the subject but I still don't 'get it'.

I currently receive DLA middle care, lower mobility (application re transfer to PIP is going through). I live alone, no dependents, no rent or mortgage to pay, I work for 4 hours a week, this was reduced several years ago due to ill health and disability, I struggle with the 4 hours work sometimes but hope to continue as long as I am able.

I don't claim anything other than DLA and have been living off my savings. This will run out soon and I may have no choice to make a claim for ESA, which is why I would like some advice?

Any help appreciated. I don't understand the difference between ESA groups or where I would fit in, or how much money I am likely to receive.

Thank you in advance.

Hi RoJo,

All new claimants (not being transferred form IB for instance) will have their non-health circumstances assessed to see if they meet the basic criteria for ESA - that is sufficient NI contributions or low enough income/assets (including that of any live-in partner). Then the assessment rate of ESA would be paid until a decision has been made regarding health-related eligibility.

Once a decision has been made the claimant will either be denied ESA (judged to be 'fit for work') or put into one of the two main-phase groups.

The first group is called the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG), people in this group have been deemed unfit for work but will have to take part in some work related activites/interviews. For people on contributory ESA payment is limited to 365 days (including the assessment period) unless also entitled to income-related ESA.

12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)

To be allocated to the WRAG the claimant needs to score a minimum of 15 points across all the categories (descriptors).

Qualifying for the WRAG

The second group is called the Support Group, people in this group get a bit more money and do not have to take place in any work related activity. Payment is not time-limited like it is in the WRAG.

To be allocated to the Support Group the claimant has to satisfy very specific criteria.

Qualifying for the Support Group

People on both contributory and income related ESA (or on contributory with an income-related top-up!) can be in either of these groups.

Once a decision regarding the group is made, the payment will increase - this will be backdated to the beginning of the 14th week of the claim.

Current rates of ESA are shown here (ignore the date on the link!)



I know this is confusing! Please reply to this post if you have any more questions and we will do our best to help

Thank you for your reply.

As I currently already work 4 hours per week but unable to manage any more than that, is it not possible for me to be included in the support group? Also, if put in the WRAG group would I have to attend interviews even though I am already working the maximum that I am able following advice from medical professionals and my employer?
It is confusing.
Thanks again. x

Whether or not you are placed in the support group will be determined by your health. Only being able to work 4hrs a week will neither guarantee nor preclude you a place in the SG.

I am afraid you will have to attend Work Focused Interviews if you are placed in the WRAG on Income Related ESA. However you are unlikely to have to do much else as you are already doing Work Related Activity a.k.a paid work.

There are certain rules that apply for people doing paid work on ESA, these are quite complicated please see;

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/esa.php?fld=bw...c47651a95463fce46c20