Moved from Support Group to WRAG without warning

Last October following a review of my case during appeal I was placed in the Support Group. 10 weeks later I received another ESA50 for another examination, I completed this and sent it with a large file of documents to support my claim. My MP, who had been involved in my appeal, also contacted to find out what was going on. That was March this year.

Today, 7 months later, I receive a letter stating I am being removed from the Support Group and placed in the WRAG, stating... "We have looked at your claim again following a recent change", it states my benefit will be reduced and then adds "This is because of: a decision on your capability for work. You have moved from the Support Group to the Work Related Activity Group".

I have not notified them of any change, there has been no change. I still meet the criteria of several descriptors for the Support Group. I am almost 61 years of age and have been told I will be moved to Pension Credits at 62, one of my illnesses is agoraphobia which means I rarely can leave my home. My son recently died and his funeral was yesterday and I could not attend!

I telephoned ESA and requested an appeal form. A gentleman checked my file. He said there was nothing recorded to say there had been a change in my circumstances, no report made of a change, no information at all other than a note which he read stating I was in the Support Group and had now been placed in the WRAG. He sounded surprised there was no detail whatsoever and would send me an appeal form out today.

I know I am able to appeal this changed decision. Does anyone have any advice on this?

eliotnpt wrote:

Last October following a review of my case during appeal I was placed in the Support Group. 10 weeks later I received another ESA50 for another examination, I completed this and sent it with a large file of documents to support my claim. My MP, who had been involved in my appeal, also contacted to find out what was going on. That was March this year.

Today, 7 months later, I receive a letter stating I am being removed from the Support Group and placed in the WRAG, stating... "We have looked at your claim again following a recent change", it states my benefit will be reduced and then adds "This is because of: a decision on your capability for work. You have moved from the Support Group to the Work Related Activity Group".

I have not notified them of any change, there has been no change. I still meet the criteria of several descriptors for the Support Group. I am almost 61 years of age and have been told I will be moved to Pension Credits at 62, one of my illnesses is agoraphobia which means I rarely can leave my home. My son recently died and his funeral was yesterday and I could not attend!

I telephoned ESA and requested an appeal form. A gentleman checked my file. He said there was nothing recorded to say there had been a change in my circumstances, no report made of a change, no information at all other than a note which he read stating I was in the Support Group and had now been placed in the WRAG. He sounded surprised there was no detail whatsoever and would send me an appeal form out today.

I know I am able to appeal this changed decision. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Hi e,

One would surmise that you have been re-assessed using the ESA50 that you mention at the beginning of your post.

However, in these times, nothing can be taken for granted.

If you still feel that you qualify for the SG, and wish to appeal, I would do this ASAP, quoting the letter that you have just received, to protect your right of appeal.

It may also be advisable to re-contact your M.P., to see whether he/she can help to gain some clarity.

bro58

bro58 wrote:

eliotnpt wrote:

Last October following a review of my case during appeal I was placed in the Support Group. 10 weeks later I received another ESA50 for another examination, I completed this and sent it with a large file of documents to support my claim. My MP, who had been involved in my appeal, also contacted to find out what was going on. That was March this year.

Today, 7 months later, I receive a letter stating I am being removed from the Support Group and placed in the WRAG, stating... "We have looked at your claim again following a recent change", it states my benefit will be reduced and then adds "This is because of: a decision on your capability for work. You have moved from the Support Group to the Work Related Activity Group".

I have not notified them of any change, there has been no change. I still meet the criteria of several descriptors for the Support Group. I am almost 61 years of age and have been told I will be moved to Pension Credits at 62, one of my illnesses is agoraphobia which means I rarely can leave my home. My son recently died and his funeral was yesterday and I could not attend!

I telephoned ESA and requested an appeal form. A gentleman checked my file. He said there was nothing recorded to say there had been a change in my circumstances, no report made of a change, no information at all other than a note which he read stating I was in the Support Group and had now been placed in the WRAG. He sounded surprised there was no detail whatsoever and would send me an appeal form out today.

I know I am able to appeal this changed decision. Does anyone have any advice on this?

Hi e,

One would surmise that you have been re-assessed using the ESA50 that you mention at the beginning of your post.

However, in these times, nothing can be taken for granted.

If you still feel that you qualify for the SG, and wish to appeal, I would do this ASAP, quoting the letter that you have just received, to protect your right of appeal.

It may also be advisable to re-contact your M.P., to see whether he/she can help to gain some clarity.

bro58

Just to add, you can download a GL24 Appeals Form from the link on this page :

How to submit an appeal

You should review all our : Appeals FAQ’s &

ESA FAQ’s also, as well as the ESA Appeals Guide on this page :

ESA Guides

bro58

Thanks bro... I did think I had been re-assessed using the ESA50 from March but the guy on the phone said no, it was submitted too long ago and they would have had to issue another one before making a decision to change groups. I have emailed my MPs office just to keep her up to date so that they are aware another problem has occurred.

After much thought and realising that it is always possible to be placed into the WRAG and then, on appeal, lose the ESA completely, I have decided that an appeal is in order on this case.

Being given a changed decision with absolutely no contact from the ESA department, nor my reporting any change of circumstances, and since my health conditions continue to deteriorate, then I feel an appeal against their changing me from the Support Group to the WRAG after some 11 months, is in order, especially since there is no reason for this change given on my records.

So, here we go again and I will post more when I have the information.

eliotnpt wrote:

After much thought and realising that it is always possible to be placed into the WRAG and then, on appeal, lose the ESA completely, I have decided that an appeal is in order on this case.

Being given a changed decision with absolutely no contact from the ESA department, nor my reporting any change of circumstances, and since my health conditions continue to deteriorate, then I feel an appeal against their changing me from the Support Group to the WRAG after some 11 months, is in order, especially since there is no reason for this change given on my records.

So, here we go again and I will post more when I have the information.

Good Luck e,

bro58