change from wrag to support group

Dizzycat39 wrote: Hi i recieve esa and i am in wrag. I do not know how to appeal to get in support group. I am a bit confused with all the booklets you can download. Just need basic advice on to move to support group. Thankyou.

The first thing you need to look at is whether you meet the criteria for a Support Group award. Have a look at the ESA Claim guides these explain the three routes into the SG and what the criteria for each is, you only need to meet one of these in order to placed in the group.

Next, how long ago was the Decision to place you in the WRAG? Are you saying that you think that this Decision was wrong or that your conditions have deteriorated since then such that you now believe that you should be in the SG?

If you can provide more detail, we can then give you specific advice on what you need to do.

Gordon

Dizzycat39 wrote: Hi i have been on dla for about 10 ten years..i have several health conditions that make it impossible to walk and also on a lot of meds. I was put into the wrag group about 5 years ago after i lodged an appeal on the decision made by atos. Since then my conditions have deteriated and i need help in many different ways..ie..cooking..washing..dressing..going out etc. I am confused by some of the info on esa appeals as they state you can only appeal after 1 month. I was told that i would have a review after one year after my appeal but that never happened. My o.t and doctor agree i should be in support group and have told me to apply again. I have spoken with job centre and was told to just put it in writing but i do not know were to begin. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks.

Based on what you have posted an appeal is not an option, there are two reasons for this;

- The previous Decision appears to have been made by a Tribunal and this cannot be further challenged after a month has elapsed since the date of the hearing.

- Your reason for appeal appears to be a deterioration in your conditions, an appeal can only consider your limitations as they were at the time of the original Decision, basically the changes could not be considered.

You can however, report a Change in Circumstances which will trigger a full reassessment of your claim but I must re-emphasise my previous advice about your confirming that you meet the criteria for the Support Group, there is no point you risking you current award if you cannot show that you should be in the SG.

If you want to go ahead with a Change, then write to the DWP office dealing with your ESA claim telling that your conditions have deteriorate such that you now believe that you meet the criteria for the Support Group.

Gordon