ESA Information Session

Today I have been sent a letter from JC+ asking me to attend an 'ESA Information Session' in 2 weeks time. However, I am currently in the assessment phase of my ESA claim and haven't yet been placed in either the WRAG or SG.

The letter states that the session will involve "giving me an overview of the benefit, explain more about forms and appointments I'll be sent, explain other benefit entitlements, what is expected of me as an ESA claimant and the help and support I'll receive". So I'm confused about what this is. The letter doesn't state that participation is compulsory, only that if I can't attend I should let them know ASAP.

Can anybody help shine any light on this for me and if I have to attend?

Jordan

It used to be usual for a new claimant for ESA to be invited to a Work Focussed Interview during the assessment phase, the practice seemed to have dropped off in the last few years, but we have seen it happening much more this year.

If it is WFI (which I think it probably is), then your attendance is required, only claimants in the Support Group are excused from these, failing to attend could and most probably will result in your ESA being sanctioned.

If it is not a WFI but rather comes under the heading of Work Related Activity, then you need to confirm whether your attendance is mandated or not, it is unlikely that it will be optional but it could be, a failure to attend a mandated activity will result in your ESA being sanctioned.

Call the JC+ office, there should be a phone number on the letter to find out what is going on.

Gordon