× Members

WRAG Woes, What to Do?

  • Chiccle
  • Topic Author
11 years 9 months ago - 11 years 9 months ago #88716 by Chiccle
WRAG Woes, What to Do? was created by Chiccle
I feel I may have buried my head in the sand a bit here, I have been transferred from Income support to ESA, and without a medical I was placed in the WRAG group. 

After reading here, I became acutely aware that if I was to challenge the placement I could end up with no award of benefits, and with bills to pay, this was a major worry. A removal would have been extremely unlikely in my case, but...the thought that it was possible prevented me from submitting an appeal. Which I do believe is what they bank on. And now, unfortunately, I've gone over the 1 month time limit. 

I definitely meet one of the support group descriptors, if not more. But I gave a huge amount of evidence when completing my ESA50 and they decided, with all the evidence before them, that the WRAG group was the best for me. Anyway, today I've faced my first WRAG hurdle, the initial assessment letter which I categorically cannot attend. They've agreed to do the first one over the phone, but it seemed like a lot would be expected of me, things I know I can't do. 

There was mention of me having to go once every two weeks, Without going into too much detail, this would be my idea of hell. And the worry would set me back, and hinder any limited progress I've made. 

So..what, if anything, can I do now? I've left it too late to lodge an appeal, which in all honesty I'm not sure would change anything, even though it should, because they had more than enough info to put me in the support group the first time round, which they didn't do. 

Thanks for any advice given.

Thanks in advance for any advice given.
Last edit: 11 years 9 months ago by Gordon.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Chiccle
  • Topic Author
11 years 9 months ago #88719 by Chiccle
Replied by Chiccle on topic Re:WRAG Woes, What to Do?
Whoops I thanked you all twice! Sorry. :laugh:

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
11 years 9 months ago #88720 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:WRAG Woes, What to Do?
C

You can make a late appeal to be placed in the Support Group, in addition to your completing the GL24 Appeal form, you should enclose a letter explaining why you are making an appeal outside of the normal one month period.

You don't say what your health condition(s) are, but if you are suffering from Mental Health problems and these exacerbated you fears of losing your benefit, then this might be Good Cause as to why the appeal was late.

You need to have a look at the following FAQs

Is there any risk to challenging a decision?

How to submit an appeal

Qualifying for the Support Group

12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)

Do I have to attend WFIs while I appeal?

and our ESA Appeal guide

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

Good luck

Gordon

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

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Chiccle
  • Topic Author
11 years 9 months ago #88734 by Chiccle
Replied by Chiccle on topic Re:WRAG Woes, What to Do?
Thanks Gordon.

I'll have a read through the links you've provided. I thought you could only submit a late appeal under exceptional circumstances. I should have appealed, I know this now. Hindsight hey..

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: GordonGaryBISCatherineWendyKellygreekqueenpeterKatherineSuper UserjimmckChris
We use cookies

We use cookies on our website. Some of them are essential for the operation of the site, while others help us to improve this site and the user experience (tracking cookies). You can decide for yourself whether you want to allow cookies or not. Please note that if you reject them, you may not be able to use all the functionalities of the site.