Information needed about WRAG

Hi Bittersweet.

Looking back at your original post i am wondering if you are confusing the WRAG with the support group?

Do you think you could cope with work related activities like doing a course on computers/CV writing etc? If so the WRAG group might be right for you. Does your CPN understand what the support group is? (It doesn't mean you get employment support, unless you request it - it means you are left alone to be ill in peace). It is in the work related activity group (WRAG) that you are given support, but it is not voluntary like it would be if you were in the support group. Confusing yes!

Gordon is right - claimants certainly have difficulty relating ESA descriptors to their disability.

I think the old IB PCA descriptors were easier to get your head round, asking questions like - Do you no longer engage in social activities you used to enjoy?/Do you like to spend large parts of the day alone/Are you afraid a return to work would worsen your condition? (not the exact wording but those sorts of things).

I suppose me lamenting the loss of IB is not particularly helpful right now, especially as you are on ESA - sorry!

If you feel up to it, it may be worth you reading through the descriptors for both the WRAG and support group and see how they might apply to you.

I would be interested to know what your CPN makes of it all. Did they say why they want you to be placed in the support group?

Good luck with it all - i hope you continue to update us.

Best wishes

Hi Catherine
I'm a long term IB claimant who is just starting the migration process and I think I was exempt from the old PCA, I've only ever had one assessment about 8 years ago.
Myself and my CPN both hope I will be put in the support group so that I will not be made to do whatever activities are involved in WRAG. The reason for this is that I would be unable to cope with most of what is expected, although I'm not entirely sure how much they expect of people. This is why my CPN wants info about the WRAG and what's involved, so she's able to write a good defence about why she would like me put in the support group.
It's not really about the reduction of money, although clearly that would have a negative impact on me, it's about being under pressure, having to do what they say, which would make my mental health worse. If I'm in the support group I will be left alone to manage my mental health in the most effective way and do things at my own pace without any pressure. If I'm placed in WRAG, my mental health will worsen and could well lead to another breakdown.

Hi again.

Thanks for responding - it sounds like we share each other's concerns.

I too have longstanding mental health conditions and do not feel i can cope with being put under any pressure.

Good look with getting into the support group and please let us know how you get on.

Best wishes

Thank you Catherine, I will keep you posted. Like many people in our situation or similar, I fear a long battle ahead.
Best wishes.