Transition from Incacpacity Benefit to ESA (Work)

I am looking for reassurance as I am on Incapacity Benefit and was asked to complete an EA50 recently. I have now been put on ESA Work group however I was not asked to go to a medical which I was expecting. Are they just transferring people on to ESA and then doing the medicals later and if so when is that likely to happen. I found the medical for Incapacity Benefit, although I appreciate it was necessary extremely stressful last time. I am on contribution based benefit on mental health grounds.

THanks.

Nicholas1 wrote:

I am looking for reassurance as I am on Incapacity Benefit and was asked to complete an EA50 recently. I have now been put on ESA Work group however I was not asked to go to a medical which I was expecting. Are they just transferring people on to ESA and then doing the medicals later and if so when is that likely to happen. I found the medical for Incapacity Benefit, although I appreciate it was necessary extremely stressful last time. I am on contribution based benefit on mental health grounds.

THanks.

Hi,

Sorry but we cannot really offer any reassurance at this point.

It would appear you have been placed into the WRAG on what is called 'scrutiny' ie without a medical. It means the ATOS assessor and DWP Decision maker believed you qualify for the WRAG without having a Work Capability Assessment.

As you award is contributory the following maybe of interest:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=vie...id=10&id=70444#70460

You do have a number of options, either accepting the WRAG award with the potential of the link above situation occurring.

Or appeal to go into the Support Group if you think any of the descriptors apply in your case. These are as listed in the guides in the members area here:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

Obviously there is a risk in appealing that you may lose what already has been awarded.

Whenever your ESA maybe due for a review again you may or again may not be called in for a medical.. This could also occur if you appeal.

Pete

Thank you Pete for taking the time to respond I really appreciate it. I was aware of the contributory limits. I am in the fortunate position of having a wife who works which means my income does not support us. I have to say I am delighted that the likelihood is I wont be called to another medical and that I can use Pathways to Work to hopefully return to some form of employment as I think it is time (four years)for me. This site has been incredible for me during this time and I appreciate all that you have done for me and thousands of others who are in a less fortunate position than me. Regards

Nick