Exceptional Circumstances

I awaiting my tribunal having been placed in the WRAG group when I beleive I should be in the support. Can anyone tell me if, due to constant pain, which would be exacerbated if I were to work in any capacity,this would be covered under the Exceptional Circumstances?

Josie wrote:

I awaiting my tribunal having been placed in the WRAG group when I beleive I should be in the support. Can anyone tell me if, due to constant pain, which would be exacerbated if I were to work in any capacity,this would be covered under the Exceptional Circumstances?

HI J,

It would be up to you to show that on the balance of probablities, placing you in WRAG, with all the implications, would cause a substantial risk to your mental or physical health.

It is not possible for us to advise on whether you would qualify for SG on EC.

cheers

bro58

Josie

Hi. I'm in the same boat. I have 2 conditions which cause extensive pain and life-threatening health problems. Unfortunately the DWP is completely ignorant of my problems, even after sending them detailed info regarding these issues and how they affect me. I tried to get the decision changed, but heard today that I have to go to appeal. I will have to seek help from CAB as I need the support. My doctor hasn't a clue about my condition and my former consultant signed me off as he could do no more for me..'it's a pain issue'. I am going to do what I can, although the stress and upset is already taking its toll on my body and mind. I have kept my MP informed but he's pretty useless.

We shouldn't be going through this. Good luck and get every scrap of evidence you can get.

TC

I also have 2 conditions, 1 by a botched back operation and another which is apparantly very rare and as yet they don't know too much about. I am on so much medication including pethidine that I can barely function throughout the day. I will let everyone know my outcome when my big day arrives.

I really feel for you both.

In my book, it is appalling that anyone clearly experiencing a great deal of pain, whether mental or physical, should be denied migration into the support group. Where there isn't a relevant descriptor - exceptional circumstances should come into play.

I am thinking more and more that the whole approach of migrating people from IB to ESA is totally counterproductive - especially for those that have been in receipt of it for awhile. The eligibility criteria for ESA are so different, and the whole process/delays etc so distressing, i would imagine most people's conditions are being exacerbated. There is also a far greater likelihood of us becoming frightened, angry, disengaged and unresponsive to support.

Particularly in the current economic climate, the government should have simply increased the amount of employment support that is available to people coping with illness and disabilities, allowing for those who feel well enough, to access support at their own pace.

Best wishes

Dear Catherine,
your comments are very sensible , and all of your suggestions
should have been adopted. I agree with all your points whole-heartedly, but
suspect that it's all been changed so that very few of us ever feel supported
ever again!! Well done for your comments.