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ESA - been placed in WRAG, not sure if happy...

  • phild
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12 years 5 months ago #70874 by phild
Gordon wrote:

phild

I am afraid that WFIs are a feature of the WRAG, but not the Support Group.

It is difficult to see how you can avoid attending the first WFI, attendance is mandatory and I think it unlikely that JC+ will allow it to be held over the phone or at your home.

Based on your first interview, your JC+ advisor may decide to defer any further interviews because of your health, even if this does not happen, they may be more amenable to holding any further interviews more informally.

Good luck

Gordon


Thanks.

How long does it generally take for the wheels to get rolling on this? I was told on the phone that my ESA starts (in the first few days of next month - forget the exact date now). Are we talking days/weeks/months after that here? Just as a general figure...

I've now decided that I'm going to appeal as soon as I receive the notification of my award by post. I'm seeing my counsellor (proper one - not some hippy) tomorrow anyway - so I'm going to discuss this with her. Will also speak to my GP about him supporting and providing evidence for my appeal - can't think that he wouldn't.

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12 years 5 months ago #70877 by Gordon
You should expect to have your first WFI within a couple of months of the Decision.

You need to be aware that appealing to be placed in the Support Group from the WRAG, does not excuse you from attending WFIs.

Gordon

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

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  • phild
  • Topic Author
12 years 5 months ago #70881 by phild
Gordon wrote:

You should expect to have your first WFI within a couple of months of the Decision.

You need to be aware that appealing to be placed in the Support Group from the WRAG, does not excuse you from attending WFIs.

Gordon


Yup - read that earlier on, as it happens. Thanks.

My counsellor gave me the numbers of some local 'benefits help' orgs when I was applying for DLA a few years ago. I'll be sure to ask her to write them down for me again, if they're still going.

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12 years 5 months ago #70884 by hassled mum
Replied by hassled mum on topic Re:ESA - been placed in WRAG, not sure if happy...
Hello phild, my initialinterview was deferred for a couple of months due to health reasons and hospital visits, my initial interview at which the lady who dealt with me was lovely and told me to concentrate on my healh said that wfi was a compulsory element to recieve payments but I would not be expected to look for work whilst so unwell. At my first wfi one to one the man I saw was really good too, he was almost embarrassed that I had to attend, he kept the meetings short did not arrange any work focused activities and then after three sessions did not attend any more because the pathways contract was terminated. The difference might be that I have an open job so even if I am not able to return for 3 years, if there is a place I can return. With the wfi's you have to sign something to say you have attended, but certainly no pressure about getting back to work when obviously unable to do so. Hopefully your wfi's will be as straight forward as mine were and at once a month not too difficult for you to deal with. best wishes

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  • phild
  • Topic Author
12 years 5 months ago #70900 by phild
hassled mum wrote:

Hello phild, my initialinterview was deferred for a couple of months due to health reasons and hospital visits, my initial interview at which the lady who dealt with me was lovely and told me to concentrate on my healh said that wfi was a compulsory element to recieve payments but I would not be expected to look for work whilst so unwell. At my first wfi one to one the man I saw was really good too, he was almost embarrassed that I had to attend, he kept the meetings short did not arrange any work focused activities and then after three sessions did not attend any more because the pathways contract was terminated. The difference might be that I have an open job so even if I am not able to return for 3 years, if there is a place I can return. With the wfi's you have to sign something to say you have attended, but certainly no pressure about getting back to work when obviously unable to do so. Hopefully your wfi's will be as straight forward as mine were and at once a month not too difficult for you to deal with. best wishes


Cheers for that. I'm going to try ('try' being the operative word!) not to get ahead of myself and assume 'worst case scenario' or take all the internet horror stories as representative of everything that goes on when I'm dealing with this.

I mean, before this, my dealings with the DWP (wrt to DLA) have been fine...

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12 years 5 months ago #70912 by greeneyedlad
Replied by greeneyedlad on topic Re:ESA - been placed in WRAG, not sure if happy...
Phild

I have very similar mental health symptoms as yourself but unfortunately i dont have as much backing from my gp & psychiatrist that u say u have & i have appealed 2 b placed in the support group. I 2 was put in2 the wrag group with no medical. I think its terrible that some1 like u & me who is ill & the very nature of the illness is that they cannot have a routine like going 2 work or keeping appointments & leaving the house etc due 2 anxiety, is then expected 2 keep appointments & get in2 a routine 2 attend WFI. i have even been kicked off gp lists & told 2 find another doctor due 2 missed appointments. why dont they understand that sometimes we cannot function & cannot even get out of bed, so how can we b forced onto WFI, & loose benefit if we miss them?

If i were u I would defo appeal. i dont expect 2 win & dont know if i will even go thro with it if it goes 2 tribunal but thought it best 2 appeal even for my decision 2 b reconsidered.

good luck

martin

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