esa wrag group with a new born baby

Hi I was placed in wrag end of July just 2 wks before my baby was due same time was given a appointment to go to jobcentre instead I had a telephone interview and was told they will leave me alone until my baby was a year old. Instead at less than 4 wks had another appointment so phoned them and was told that has I have a husband who.s a carer for our son I have to attend as he can watch the baby. So yesterday I went and took my baby with me and was told I have to attend these work programmes 6 times a year as it's all changed now ur no longer able to stay home without attending them as I. M married. I breast feed my baby and is fed on demand so can be every hr or what ever . I now will have to attend a work programme very soon but there is no way I will leave my baby with my husband our 2 y old is very hyper possible adhd aswell. He.s not like me able to care for the baby I know my kids and my husband panic.s also when he gets stressed he has blackouts so there's no chance I will do it. So anyone know if this new ruling is true thanks

beverly wrote: Hi I was placed in wrag end of July just 2 wks before my baby was due same time was given a appointment to go to jobcentre instead I had a telephone interview and was told they will leave me alone until my baby was a year old. Instead at less than 4 wks had another appointment so phoned them and was told that has I have a husband who.s a carer for our son I have to attend as he can watch the baby. So yesterday I went and took my baby with me and was told I have to attend these work programmes 6 times a year as it's all changed now ur no longer able to stay home without attending them as I. M married. I breast feed my baby and is fed on demand so can be every hr or what ever . I now will have to attend a work programme very soon but there is no way I will leave my baby with my husband our 2 y old is very hyper possible adhd aswell. He.s not like me able to care for the baby I know my kids and my husband panic.s also when he gets stressed he has blackouts so there's no chance I will do it. So anyone know if this new ruling is true thanks

Hi b,

There has only ever been exemption from WFI's or other forms of WRA for Lone Parents with a child aged under one in the household.

As stated in :

DMG Chapter 53 @ 53014. 5.

53014 The conditions1 referred to in DMG 53013 are that the claimant is
1. entitled to ESA or an advance award of ESA2 has been made (DMG 53200 et seq) and

2. not a member of the support group and

3. under the age at which a woman of the same age as the claimant attains pensionable age (see DMG Chapter 75) and

4. not a person who is only entitled to ESA(Cont) payable at nil rate

#5. not a lone parent who is responsible for and a member of the same household as a child aged under one./#

From : DM Guide CH 53.

So, there has only ever been an exemption for single parents where there is a child under the age of one in the household.

They should still take into account your own limitations and disabilities when requiring you to take part in any WRA.

You could enquire that as they are compelling you to take part, and you cannot leave your child will they be providing facilities for you to bring your child, e.g. nappy changing areas, a private room to breast feed, etc.

See : Work Focused Interviews

Work Programme

&

Changes to ESA Sanctions

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