ESA Support Group

Hello

I'm hoping that so eone will be able to give me some advice. Apologies for this being a very long question.

I have been in receipt of income based ESA for around 12 years. When I first applied, on mental health grounds (severe social anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder and depression), I filled in the forms and went to the assessment without support. I scored 0 points at the assessment and was turned down for ESA.

I then, with support from a friend, went to my local CAB, who were wonderful and helped me to request a reconsideration by the DWP. I won, and was awarded ESA and placed in the support group.

At my next assessment, I was still awarded ESA but moved into the WRAG group. I didn't ask for a reconsideration. To be honest I was just grateful to keep my ESA award.

A few years ago I decided to apply for PIP as I was struggling financially on basic rate ESA. I was awarded Enhanced Rate daily living and Standard Rate mobility. This was renewed in 2022.

I haven't been asked to attend my local Jobcentre at all in the last 12 years, apart from a few appointments with a work coach around ten years ago.

However, I received a letter last week saying that I have an appointment of up to an hour with a "work coach", to discuss what work related activity I have been doing. It also mentioned a work programme, and sanctions if I don't agree to whatever is discussed at this appointment. This has put me in a state of total panic.

I have contacted my local CAB who have suggested that I apply to be put in the ESA Support Group, as I wouldn't then be able to be forced to agree to things that I wouldn't be able to cope with.

My question is, in light of recent developments in the Budget, and the fact that any changes in circumstances would I assume mean a forced move to universal credit, would this be a bad move?

Thanks

Thanks for your reply. If I ask to be put in the support group, would that result in another ESA assessment? I would struggle with this. Thanks.