Ill-health pension and wrag (IR)

princess wrote:

Hallo

I have searched under pensions on your FAQ site and couldn't find anything relevant to my next query. I am currently in receipt of a small ill-health pension but am also currently
in the WRAG(IR) group. According to some of the comments I read this evening that everyone, it appears, with an ESA WRAG (IR) benefit will be called forward at some time to join this works programme. How does this affect people allready in receipt of a small ill-health pension?
Many thanks as always.

I am afraid the two subjects are unconnected.

Claimants will be forwarded to the Work Programme if they are in the WRAG, receiving ESA(IR) and have 12 months or less to their next expected re-assessment, this should be subject to their underlying health condition(s). The 12 months will be extended to 24 months from December on a trial basis, but I suspect this will become permament.

The only effect the your pension will have on your ESA(IR), is that it will likely be treated as income, and will be deducted £ for £ from your payments.

Gordon