IB to ESA WRAG: Appeal - confused

Apologies for the long post – I tried but just couldn’t shorten it!

I’ve appealed against the decision to place me in the WRAG as my consultant insists I should be in the support group. I followed the excellent advice guides on here to put in my appeal.

I made sure I telephoned and asked for a “written statement of reasons” and was told this would not extend the time I had to appeal – wrong info?

I was then informed I could not download GL24 and that it would be posted to me – wrong again?!

Although I had left it to the last minute, I believe I submitted my written appeal within one month – decision letter dated 14 February, appeal form dated 10 March (received by me on 9 March – remember I was told I couldn’t download it) and sent Special Delivery on 12 March. It was stamped by Jobcentre as received on 13 March, and its my understanding that I’m (albeit just!) “within one month”. Have received letter from Jobcentre Plus sending back my appeal form asking for explanation of “why you did not make your appeal earlier. Let us know if there are any special reasons for your lateness in writing to us”.

Does anyone know what the Jobcentre considers “one month” to be?

Their letter also asked for “the reason why you want to appeal against this decision”. I filled in the GL24 “Reasons” section as follows:

“I disagree with the decision that I have been placed in the work-related activity group. I feel the evidence I provided shows that I do have limited capability for work related activity. I cannot give any further grounds for appeal until I have been provided with information about how the decision was reached. I have contacted my consultants about this decision and will obtain medical evidence or reports and submit these as soon as available. Please make all contact relating to this appeal in writing please”.

I think the reasons I've given are clear as set out in the guides?

Is it me being really daft and I'm missing something glaringly obvious?

Many thanks.

Enigma wrote:

Apologies for the long post – I tried but just couldn’t shorten it!

I’ve appealed against the decision to place me in the WRAG as my consultant insists I should be in the support group. I followed the excellent advice guides on here to put in my appeal.

I made sure I telephoned and asked for a “written statement of reasons” and was told this would not extend the time I had to appeal – wrong info?

I was then informed I could not download GL24 and that it would be posted to me – wrong again?!

Although I had left it to the last minute, I believe I submitted my written appeal within one month – decision letter dated 14 February, appeal form dated 10 March (received by me on 9 March – remember I was told I couldn’t download it) and sent Special Delivery on 12 March. It was stamped by Jobcentre as received on 13 March, and its my understanding that I’m (albeit just!) “within one month”. Have received letter from Jobcentre Plus sending back my appeal form asking for explanation of “why you did not make your appeal earlier. Let us know if there are any special reasons for your lateness in writing to us”.

Does anyone know what the Jobcentre considers “one month” to be?

Their letter also asked for “the reason why you want to appeal against this decision”. I filled in the GL24 “Reasons” section as follows:

“I disagree with the decision that I have been placed in the work-related activity group. I feel the evidence I provided shows that I do have limited capability for work related activity. I cannot give any further grounds for appeal until I have been provided with information about how the decision was reached. I have contacted my consultants about this decision and will obtain medical evidence or reports and submit these as soon as available. Please make all contact relating to this appeal in writing please”.

I think the reasons I've given are clear as set out in the guides?

Is it me being really daft and I'm missing something glaringly obvious?

Many thanks.

Hi E,

It would seem from your comments that your appeal was made within the one month deadline, see :

How long do I have to appeal?

& the associated link at the bottom of the above page.

You appeal submission seems to be reasonable also.

bro58

Many thanks for the reply. I did think I was within the time limit, and shall point that out in my written reply to them. I'm really not sure what I can add to my "reasons" except to repeat myself - PERHAPS IN CAPITALS! Hope they're not being deliberately difficult or trying to discourage me from continuing with the appeal?

My additional medical report won't be ready just yet so for my next question: is there a time limit for sending any additional information in relation to the appeal? Is any additional report bound by the strict timescale given by the Jobcentre for an appeal?

Many thanks for your help.