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Bedbound, placed in WRAG
- Dannan
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12 years 2 weeks ago - 12 years 2 weeks ago #99721 by Dannan
Bedbound, placed in WRAG was created by Dannan
I've been in incapacity benefit for a number of years since a teen for M.E/C.F.S. My condition has worsened and I am now bedbound and have been for two years. Last year I filled out the form for the move to ESA and only now got the decision, that I was placed in the work related activity group.
I'm terrified as being bedbound I have no idea how Im supposed to be able to attend interviews.. I dont know what to do now. If this goes to appeal I don't know how I'm supposed to attend that either.
I just want to die. How do they expect me to do this in this condition? What can I possibly do?
I'm terrified as being bedbound I have no idea how Im supposed to be able to attend interviews.. I dont know what to do now. If this goes to appeal I don't know how I'm supposed to attend that either.
I just want to die. How do they expect me to do this in this condition? What can I possibly do?
Last edit: 12 years 2 weeks ago by . Reason: corrected topic title
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- Rainbowlight
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12 years 2 weeks ago - 12 years 2 weeks ago #99746 by Rainbowlight
Replied by Rainbowlight on topic Bedbound, placed in WRAG
Hi Dannan
I am also bedbound with very severe ME. I was called for an interview at the jobcentre before I had even had the (home) medical for my ESA. If you explain the situation to the jobcentre person who writes to you about the interview, and/or if you challenge the ESA decision, they may well defer it. Or you could ask them to come to you (and get your GP to back you up if needed) or to do the interview by phone if you could manage that.
For what it's worth, the people at the jobcentre seem to have quite a lot of common sense (at least in my experience).
regards
Rainbowlight
I am also bedbound with very severe ME. I was called for an interview at the jobcentre before I had even had the (home) medical for my ESA. If you explain the situation to the jobcentre person who writes to you about the interview, and/or if you challenge the ESA decision, they may well defer it. Or you could ask them to come to you (and get your GP to back you up if needed) or to do the interview by phone if you could manage that.
For what it's worth, the people at the jobcentre seem to have quite a lot of common sense (at least in my experience).
regards
Rainbowlight
Last edit: 12 years 2 weeks ago by . Reason: corrected topic title
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- Rainbowlight
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12 years 2 weeks ago - 12 years 2 weeks ago #99749 by Rainbowlight
Replied by Rainbowlight on topic Bedbound, placed in WRAG
Forgot to say - Ibelieve you can ask for the appeal to be held at your house too. You have a right to (be able to) attend. That might mean it would take a bit longer for the appeal to be held though.
Last edit: 12 years 2 weeks ago by . Reason: corrected topic title
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- slugsta
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12 years 2 weeks ago - 12 years 2 weeks ago #99750 by slugsta
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by slugsta on topic Bedbound, placed in WRAG
Hi Dannan,
Are you intending to appeal this decision?
How long do I have to appeal?
How to submit an appeal
Is there any risk to challenging a decision?
You would still have to undertake Work Focussed Interviews while you appeal but, as 'rainbowlight' says, the interviewer will often agree to suspend these, hold them over the phone or even come to your home to do them.
Are you intending to appeal this decision?
How long do I have to appeal?
How to submit an appeal
Is there any risk to challenging a decision?
You would still have to undertake Work Focussed Interviews while you appeal but, as 'rainbowlight' says, the interviewer will often agree to suspend these, hold them over the phone or even come to your home to do them.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 12 years 2 weeks ago by . Reason: corrected topic title
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- Gordon
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12 years 2 weeks ago - 12 years 2 weeks ago #99751 by Gordon
The best that I can do is make sure that you are fully aware of all the facts surrounding your claim so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for you.
If you do not appeal the Decision then it is quite likely that you will be required to participate in Work Related Activity. Whilst anything that you are asked to do must take into account the effects of your condition(s), I think it very unlikely that you will be completely excused, and failing to take part, can lead to your existing award being sanctioned.
Further, as you will be receiving ESA(CB) as a result of your having been on IB, payment on this will be limited to 365 days whilst you remain in the WRAG, after which you will only receive NI Credits unless you also are eligible for ESA(IR).
If you appeal, then you can request a Paper hearing which will not require your attendance, but I have to warn you that the success rate for this type of hearing is a lot less than for one you attend,, however, people are successful in this type of appeal, although it is likely to be dependant on you putting a well thought out case with good supporting evidence.
In extreme cases, it is possible for an Oral hearing to be held in your own home, it is quite rare, but does happen, and therefore may be worth looking at, rather than immediately going to a Paper hearing, which you can still opt for if this pans out.
If you want to look at appealing, then you need to consider the following
Is there any risk to challenging a decision?
How long do I have to appeal?
How to submit an appeal
Qualifying for the Support Group
Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations
MOJ Video of ESA Appeals Process and Tribunal
12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)
Do I have to attend WFIs while I appeal?
It may also be sensible for you to look at our ESA Apeal and Claim guides, see
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa
If you have questions regarding what I have posted or anything else, please reply to this topic.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Bedbound, placed in WRAG
Dannan wrote: I've been in incapacity benefit for a number of years since a teen for M.E/C.F.S. My condition has worsened and I am now bedbound and have been for two years. Last year I filled out the form for the move to ESA and only now got the decision, that I was placed in the work related activity group.
I'm terrified as being bedbound I have no idea how Im supposed to be able to attend interviews.. I dont know what to do now. If this goes to appeal I don't know how I'm supposed to attend that either.
I just want to die. How do they expect me to do this in this condition? What can I possibly do?
The best that I can do is make sure that you are fully aware of all the facts surrounding your claim so that you can make an informed decision on what is best for you.
If you do not appeal the Decision then it is quite likely that you will be required to participate in Work Related Activity. Whilst anything that you are asked to do must take into account the effects of your condition(s), I think it very unlikely that you will be completely excused, and failing to take part, can lead to your existing award being sanctioned.
Further, as you will be receiving ESA(CB) as a result of your having been on IB, payment on this will be limited to 365 days whilst you remain in the WRAG, after which you will only receive NI Credits unless you also are eligible for ESA(IR).
If you appeal, then you can request a Paper hearing which will not require your attendance, but I have to warn you that the success rate for this type of hearing is a lot less than for one you attend,, however, people are successful in this type of appeal, although it is likely to be dependant on you putting a well thought out case with good supporting evidence.
In extreme cases, it is possible for an Oral hearing to be held in your own home, it is quite rare, but does happen, and therefore may be worth looking at, rather than immediately going to a Paper hearing, which you can still opt for if this pans out.
If you want to look at appealing, then you need to consider the following
Is there any risk to challenging a decision?
How long do I have to appeal?
How to submit an appeal
Qualifying for the Support Group
Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations
MOJ Video of ESA Appeals Process and Tribunal
12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)
Do I have to attend WFIs while I appeal?
It may also be sensible for you to look at our ESA Apeal and Claim guides, see
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa
If you have questions regarding what I have posted or anything else, please reply to this topic.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 12 years 2 weeks ago by . Reason: corrected topic title
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- MummyVikki
12 years 2 weeks ago - 12 years 2 weeks ago #99768 by MummyVikki
Replied by MummyVikki on topic Bedbound, placed in WRAG
Hi Dannan,
Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I also have M.E (for 15 years), and have been on IB for about 10 years. Got placed on ESA WRAG group also
Feel sick to my stomach about it.
Sending you my love, and I really really hope that you (and me!) can successfully appeal this, with as little trauma as possible xxx
Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. I also have M.E (for 15 years), and have been on IB for about 10 years. Got placed on ESA WRAG group also
Feel sick to my stomach about it.Sending you my love, and I really really hope that you (and me!) can successfully appeal this, with as little trauma as possible xxx
Last edit: 12 years 2 weeks ago by . Reason: corrected topic title
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