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WRAG with a fried brain

  • feroluce
  • Topic Author
12 years 5 months ago #74123 by feroluce
WRAG with a fried brain was created by feroluce
I know I could probably find this info if I searched, but my brain hasn't been working lately.
I've just been put on ESA from IB, with a side order of Work Related activity Group (sounds like an after school club) and I'm a bit flummoxed as to what to do next.
I have ME with more cognitive effects than physical (lucky, I know).
I got the letter from DWP warning me that if I missed the ATOS medical, my benefit would be cut. So, I rested up for three days before (with nothing more mentally strenuous than cartoons), made the medical and was in bed by four the same day and four days after.
Was I wrong to make the effort to get to the medical?
Do I explain to them the whole scenario?
I could make work based interviews but I'd be no use to anybody for the rest of the week.


The bit that really bugs me is that before I got sick, I was paying more in tax each month than I'm, now getting in benefits. I get at least two offers of work a week. The longer I'm out of the game, the more my potential starting salary drops.
If I could work, I would bloody work.

I have no idea where to go from here.
My brain has been on the fritz for well over a month, this is one of my rare moments of lucidity and I'm typing fast because there's no knowing when it will fog up again.
Help. What do I do?
Do I need to do anything?
Should I just take the WRAG and go from there? Will the notice that I'm not up to it and transfer me to SG or do I need to appeal?
What happens when I start missing WRAG meetings? Will they kick me out or review my (can't think of the word)thingy.
Sorry, brain going. :silly:

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  • Survivor
12 years 5 months ago #74125 by Survivor
Replied by Survivor on topic Re: WRAG with a fried brain
There are risks involved in appealing. See here FAQs

You may find some of the other information in our FAQs helpful.

If you don't attend WFIs you may lose your ESA. WFIs for people on ESA can be deferred but they cannot be waived. It is, however, possible to hold a WFI on the phone.

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12 years 5 months ago #74126 by greeneyedlad
Replied by greeneyedlad on topic Re: WRAG with a fried brain
im appealing on the same grounds.

i would if i was you

martin

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12 years 5 months ago #74145 by slugsta
Replied by slugsta on topic Re: WRAG with a fried brain
You did the right thing in attending the medical, IMHO, otherwise your claim would probably have been rejected out of hand!

Good luck with your appeal, if that is the route you decide to take.

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

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12 years 5 months ago #74152 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:WRAG with a fried brain
feroluce

First, attending the medical was your only choice, as a failure to attend would likely have resulted in technical Fit to Work decision and the loss of your benefit.

Attendance at WFIs is mandatory, however, the can be deferred, held over the phone, or even in your home. If you don't attend without Good Cause, it will likely result in the loss of part of your benefit, but your claim for ESA cannot be terminated.

Regarding an appeal. First you need to confirm for yourself that you meet the criteria for the Support Group. See Qualifying for the Support Group

There is a risk associated with appealing from the WRAG to the SG, see Is there any risk to challenging a decision?

If you wish to go ahead, then you need to complete the required documentation, see How to submit an appeal and How long do I have to appeal?

Gordon

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

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