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ESA and becoming a student

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1 year 2 months ago #282656 by SurlyRider
ESA and becoming a student was created by SurlyRider
Hi, I can’t seem to find a similar topic here.

I receive PIP and am currently in the support group for ESA due to long Covid & vestibulopathy. I have recovered enough to be able to return to complete my training as a counsellor part time along with 3 hrs a week volunteering with a helpline. However I am not yet able to do these things and work to support myself .

I am about to inform the DWP that I have made enough progress to be swapped to the work related ESA group and keep them informed of my recovery progress but I am also really worried about how this will affect my finances as I will lose around £44 per week by doing this.

I really want to finish my study and I think I can do this but I’m worried that I will be really struggling to eat and pay my bills and I further worry that I might get my ESA cancelled altogether or have unrealistic expectations forced on me by the DWP assessors?

As far as I can tell I should be allowed to continue to claim esa but will be changed to WRAG group? And there are no other benefits I may be eligible for as I study ( it will be 3 years) .

Can anyone help please , before I ring on the changes to DWP.

It seems crazy that I am being penalised for helping myself to get qualified and back to work eventually. :(.

Thankyou.

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1 year 2 months ago #282688 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic ESA and becoming a student
SR

I'm afraid you cannot assume that you will be placed in the lower group. If you report a change which from your post you need to then you will be reassessed from scratch. This could leave you in the SG, move you to the WRAG or even remove the award, it will all depend on how you meet the ESA assessment criteria.

If you have not done so already then I would suggest that you have a look at our ESA/UC claim guide to understand what they will be looking at when they look at your claim.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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