failed ESA appeal

hi everyone,

I have been for my ESA appeal today, (I was appealing to go from wrag to SG), but was unsuccessful.

I foung the whole experience a nightmare!

My claim for ESA(CB) started from and includes the 8 March 2012, I understand the benefit will be paid for a year.

So where do I go from here? Will the Jobcentre send me for jobs? if they do, can I refuse to go, what happens when I go to my Doctor (he supported my appeal) and he gives me another sick note, does this start another claim?

So confusing, I am in need of help with this, so any advice please!

pooch wrote: hi everyone,

I have been for my ESA appeal today, (I was appealing to go from wrag to SG), but was unsuccessful.

I foung the whole experience a nightmare!

My claim for ESA(CB) started from and includes the 8 March 2012, I understand the benefit will be paid for a year.

So where do I go from here? Will the Jobcentre send me for jobs? if they do, can I refuse to go, what happens when I go to my Doctor (he supported my appeal) and he gives me another sick note, does this start another claim?

So confusing, I am in need of help with this, so any advice please!

Hi P,

Sorry to hear of your unsuccessful appeal, and you bad experience at the appeal hearing.

You are correct in that your payments of CB ESA will only continue for 365 days from the date that receipt of the CB ESA began, see : 12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)

If you feel that your condition has deteriorated since the time of the original WRAG award, as that is the the time that the Tribunal would have considered, you can request a supersession (review)

You would have to write to the DWP informing them that your condition has deteriorated since your last assessment, and that you therefore feel that you now qualify for The SG.(if that is the case)

Obviously, if you can provide extra evidence to prove this, you should forward it to the DWP. Try and tie this evidence in with the qualifying SG descriptors that you feel are applicable to your resulting limitations, see : Qualifying for the Support Group

You may also wish to review our : ESA Claims Guides and our : ESA FAQ’s

If you can manage to gain access to The SG, there is no time limitation on receipt of payment, and such payment will remain for as long as you stay in The SG.

Unfotuntely, you will have to comply with WFI and WRA requirements, although they can be deferred, carried out over the phone, or even in your home, see :

Work Focussed Interviews

Work Programme

Changes to ESA Sanctions

A common misunderstanding is that WRAG means you are fit for work, it doesn't. Therefore a fit note from your G.P. would not mean that you were unfit for work related activity. To be exempt from mandatory WFI and WRA you must be in the SG, which means that you have Limited Capability for Work Related Activity, (LCWRA) WRA obviously includes WFI's etc.