WRAG

But surely if you are placed in WRAG they have determined that there is a strong possibility of a return to work in 3/6/9/12 months ergo they "encourage" you to attend WFI to assist you in finding a job and managing your illness/ disability. They are effectively lining you up to get a job. They are saying we will get you to fill in an ESA every few months to carry on getting the benefit ie a self certified sicknote, they then can call you in when ever they want. Why should I go and face some office waller and tell him/her all about my illness/disability when I have not even had a medical, some of these staff might have been working in tescos a few months earlier. ITS NOT RIGHT!

confused13 wrote:

But surely if you are placed in WRAG they have determined that there is a strong possibility of a return to work in 3/6/9/12 months ergo they "encourage" you to attend WFI to assist you in finding a job and managing your illness/ disability. They are effectively lining you up to get a job. They are saying we will get you to fill in an ESA every few months to carry on getting the benefit ie a self certified sicknote, they then can call you in when ever they want. Why should I go and face some office waller and tell him/her all about my illness/disability when I have not even had a medical, some of these staff might have been working in tescos a few months earlier. ITS NOT RIGHT!

Hi C,

I am not saying that I agree with this ever increasing trend of awarding WRAG without a face to face.

We all have our own thoughts on any potential motives for doing this.

Unfortunately, the only option open to claimants who feel that they should be in the support group, is to fight back by appealing, after doing a risk assessment.

I personally feel that this trend is a psychological ploy, to cut back on the number of appeals, as many claimants will be afraid of losing their WRAG award if they appeal, this is evident by the number of members who have such concerns on B&W.

Of course many people will quite happily accept an award of WRAG, as they feel it is appropriate to their limitations, or maybe they do not fully understand the potential problems this may cause them in the future.

Whatever group one is placed in, for the majority there will be a constant cycle of reassessment, this is the whole intention.

Wecome to "The ESA Merrygoround"

cheers

bro58

I agree with you confused13 - it is certainly not right and for those who will not be entitled to means tested benefits if the the 12 month contribution-based rule is passed by parliament, it could have massive financial implications as well as all the distress and discomfort asscociated with attending WFIs etc for people who should be in the support group.

Is this happening to people with mental health conditions, including those that were previously exempt on severe mental health grounds? Is it happening to people without their GP/specialist being contacted?

Perhaps it would be worth everyone highlighting this issue by emailing Prof Malcolm Harrington by Friday 16th when his call for evidence ends.

The email address is:
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Best wishes

What can I say, it's a case of 'snap' as my son is in the same position as you although we have only had the phone call and await the dreaded brown envelope. He is 28 but was born with congenital problems and we keep uncovering more as time goes on.

Snap here too. I have been placed in the WRAG having been in receipt of IB for some years and had not been recalled for 4 years. I requested a copy the ESA85A which states a return to work in the next 2 years is unlikely! I am 59 now and would have been entitled to my state pension next year. I now will not receive it until 2015.I am on CB based ESA and have no doubt about the motives behind this decision. I have sent in my appeal as I feel I have little to lose as I will receive nothing come Sept 2012.

Thanks for the help guys. It's really difficult to know what to do, but I will take your advice and start the appeal and ask for a copy of ESA65 & 85A.

I wonder if they would do a reconsideration like they do for DLA? I know the feeling of wondering if you would lose the appeal and then go on to JSA, I guess it is part of the plan to deprive genuine disabled people of their "rights" and save the govt. money.

Also I am nearing 57, and would have retired in 3 years, now it's in 10 years! There's not much chance of me getting better, I even got paid off with my critical illness policy.

Bah Humbug