ESA - I've got into the WRAG group (I think?!?)

Got the dreaded brown envelope this morning, and it was an even worse feeling than waiting for exam results! But after a couple of mugs of coffee I managed to get up the courage to open it, and I appear to have got into the WRAG group WITHOUT having to have a medical!

I was one of the early transfers from IB to ESA (it started in March for me) and had already had 3 Atos medicals for IB so I was dreading yet another visit to that particular nightmare. With EDS Hypermobility and Bipolar to contend with, neither of which they've shown any understanding of before, I wasn't holding out much hope of retaining the benefit so I can't quite believe I have. With my hubby having been made redundant I don't know what we'd have done if this money had gone as well because even if there were jobs out there, there's no way I would have been able to hold one down, even part-time.

I couldn't have managed to complete my form as well without all the advice on this forum and the fantastic guides from benefitsandwork, in fact I couldn't even manage to look at the form, let alone complete it, until I had the guides to "hold my hand" through each question.

I have one question though - I'd like to know why I got put directly into WRAG but I don't want to give them an excuse to look at their decision again and change their minds, so if you were in my position would you ask for a copy of the statement of reasons?

Hopefully my outcome will give hope and belief to others that it is possible to get an award without going through a supposed "medical"

Take care and I'll be trying to send my good vibes in everyone else's direction now

Hi Pompeylass

Well done for getting into the exclusive WRAG. There is no harm in asking for a statement of reasons and you should certainly ask for a copy of your ESA85 medical report; this will not invoke the DWP to look at the decision again.

The DWP are not very good at filing and often lose these reports when you need them for a future appeal and you are fully entitled to know what the ADA has said about you.

Regards

Derek

Hi Pompeylass
I see you have EDS - how right u are that ATOS have no understanding of it, most of the medical world stratch their heads too!! Me, my son and little grandson are all EDS people. Im having more surgery next week but am sending u a one armed hug. Im sure all the colleagues here will give u good advice, I wouldn't have made it without them.
ABW, lulusmurf

Congratulations, Pompeylass!
You and your husband must be thrilled.
Cheers, Pen.

Thanks Derek, or should I call you Speedy Gonzales!! I'll try and squeeze the info out of them this week and then I can forget about it all until the next form drops onto the mat!!
Thanks again

I am happy you have good news - one question though - what is
WRAG?
The glossary here says it's:
Work-related activity group

What does that mean, and what is the relevance to your IB/ESA ?