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ESA Work-focus Interview
- thatbloodydog
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11 years 9 months ago - 11 years 9 months ago #108574 by thatbloodydog
ESA Work-focus Interview was created by thatbloodydog
Hi. I’m hoping someone can give me a little bit of advice. I have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and have recently been transferred from ICB to ESA and placed in the WRAG for 2 years. Within a couple of days of receiving the decision, I received a letter from my local Job Centre Plus to say that an appointment has been made for me to see a Personal Advisor for my Work-focused interview. I’ve never had one of these before and I would be grateful if someone could give me an idea of what to expect and also what I can and cannot be asked to do?
From reading the guides on this website, it would appear that I cannot be instructed to apply for a job. However, where do I stand if I’m asked to attend a training course or some type of work related activity? Can I refuse on the grounds that it would have a detrimental effect on my condition or are they compulsory for everyone in WRAG?
Any help with the above would be greatly appreciated. It’s just that you hear so many horror stories and as I have all on managing my condition at the best of times and the last thing I need is to be coerced into something that is only going to make my condition worse.
Many thanks.
From reading the guides on this website, it would appear that I cannot be instructed to apply for a job. However, where do I stand if I’m asked to attend a training course or some type of work related activity? Can I refuse on the grounds that it would have a detrimental effect on my condition or are they compulsory for everyone in WRAG?
Any help with the above would be greatly appreciated. It’s just that you hear so many horror stories and as I have all on managing my condition at the best of times and the last thing I need is to be coerced into something that is only going to make my condition worse.
Many thanks.
Last edit: 11 years 9 months ago by Gordon.
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11 years 9 months ago #108576 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA Work-focus Interview
thatbloodydog
Members of the WRAG are required to participate in Work Related Activity, however, anything that you are asked to do must take into account any limitations that result from your condition.
WFIs can be held over the phone at the discretion of the JC+ advisor and in theory in the home of the claimant, speak to the JC+ office where you have been asked to attend.
Despite the comment above, refusing to participate without Good Cause can lead to the sanctioning of your benefit and a sanction remains in place until the requirement is met, so you should discuss your limitations with the advisor in detail.
Changes to ESA Sanctions
Work Focussed Interviews
You can also be forwarded to the Work Programme if you advisor believes it appropriate.
Work Programme
You should also be aware that your ESA(CB) payments will be limited to 365 days while you remain in the WRAG, after which they will stop and you will only receive NI Credits which count towards a full State Pension. If you are also eligible for Income Related ESA, subject to a means test of household income, assets and savings and any hours that a partner works, then you can be transferred to ESA(IR) and payments will continue.
Gordon
Members of the WRAG are required to participate in Work Related Activity, however, anything that you are asked to do must take into account any limitations that result from your condition.
WFIs can be held over the phone at the discretion of the JC+ advisor and in theory in the home of the claimant, speak to the JC+ office where you have been asked to attend.
Despite the comment above, refusing to participate without Good Cause can lead to the sanctioning of your benefit and a sanction remains in place until the requirement is met, so you should discuss your limitations with the advisor in detail.
Changes to ESA Sanctions
Work Focussed Interviews
You can also be forwarded to the Work Programme if you advisor believes it appropriate.
Work Programme
You should also be aware that your ESA(CB) payments will be limited to 365 days while you remain in the WRAG, after which they will stop and you will only receive NI Credits which count towards a full State Pension. If you are also eligible for Income Related ESA, subject to a means test of household income, assets and savings and any hours that a partner works, then you can be transferred to ESA(IR) and payments will continue.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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