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ESA Decision

  • mazt
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11 years 7 months ago - 11 years 7 months ago #111855 by mazt
ESA Decision was created by mazt
I have been placed in ESA from IB. Problem is i am in WRAG. My health problem is Mental Health. I have suffered from depression, social phobia and anxiety since my teens, i am now 60years old. I have had lot's of therapy and councelling over the years but nothing helped much.

I have been able to work from 16yrs to 48yrs although with a lot of difficulty! but since 2002 i have been on IB/IS and had questionaires and medicals over this time. I explained in my Q's and medicals how my mental health affects me, and my inability to connect with people on a day-to-day basis.
I have always received enough points to pass and stay as i was.

Since the change in benefits i have filled out a ESA50, had an ATOS assessment/medical and now received the decision letter saying i have been placed in WRAG.

After all these years telling them about my problems and how it affects me. How can i possibly go to interviews, training etc now, when i could not in the past?

Any ideas would help me understand a bit more.

I am thinking about an appeal.
Last edit: 11 years 7 months ago by Gordon.

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11 years 7 months ago #111860 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA Decision
mazt

This is one of the most common questions on the forum and I am afraid there is no easy answer.

First, while you are in the WRAG, you are required to participate in Work Related activity, this includes attending Work Focussed Interviews and you may also be forwarded to the Work Programme

Work Focussed Interviews

Work Programme

Anything you are asked to do must take into account any limitations that result from your conditions, however, you do need to be aware that refusing to participate can lead to your benefit being sanctioned.

Changes to ESA Sanctions

If you feel you cannot manage the WRA associated with the WRAG then your only option is to appeal the Decision that placed you in it. To appeal you will need to show that you meet one or more of the Support Group criteria

Qualifying for the Support Group

Have a read or our ESA Appeal guide

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

and the following FAQs

Is there any risk to challenging a decision?

How long do I have to appeal?

How to submit an appeal

ESA medical – what forms to ask for?

Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations

Preparing for a Tribunal

MOJ Video of ESA Appeals Process and Tribunal

If you have any questions on the above, please reply to this post.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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