WRAG

I have been exempt on IB for several years, and am being transferred to ESA. I got a letter from Atos saying I would not need to go for a medical this time, which I took to mean that I would be in the Support Group, but I have had the dreaded letter which states I'm in the WRAG group, and must prepare for work.

Now, how can I be exempt on IB, don't need a medical for ESA(I've got Fibro and MH stuff, agrophobia being one)and yet be well enough to prepare for work?

I'm 56, who would employ me anyway? The annoying thing is if they hadn't changed the age of retirement I would only be 3 years away from retirement bah humbug

Anyway, the question being, should I appeal? Or just be grateful to not be put on JSA. Truth to tell, I'm gutted, the thought of going to the Job Centre makes me feel ill!

It's a gamble. If you appeal, your eligibility for ESA can be looked at again, not just which group you are in, so you could be found fit for work.

Take a look at the descriptors for ESA and see how many points you think you should get - that may give you an idea of how "secure" your claim for ESA is, then look at the requirements for the support group and see whether you fit any of them. Don't forget to look at the exceptional circumstances rules.

butterlyfudgie wrote:

I have been exempt on IB for several years, and am being transferred to ESA. I got a letter from Atos saying I would not need to go for a medical this time, which I took to mean that I would be in the Support Group, but I have had the dreaded letter which states I'm in the WRAG group, and must prepare for work.

Now, how can I be exempt on IB, don't need a medical for ESA(I've got Fibro and MH stuff, agrophobia being one)and yet be well enough to prepare for work?

I'm 56, who would employ me anyway? The annoying thing is if they hadn't changed the age of retirement I would only be 3 years away from retirement bah humbug

Anyway, the question being, should I appeal? Or just be grateful to not be put on JSA. Truth to tell, I'm gutted, the thought of going to the Job Centre makes me feel ill!

Hi,

Sadly having being in receipt of IB is of little condequence when one is migrated from it to ESA. With migration there are three postential outcomes:

Found Fit for Work

or

WRAG

or

Support Group

Only you really know your own illness, so it maybe a good idea to check your illness against the descriptor requirements for the Support Group (the descriptors are in the members area resourses under ESA).

Based with that information it should help you determine whether you may qualify for the Support Group. If you feel you should, then it maybe worth appealing the decision.

However if you are considering doing this, it really is best to obtain some face to face help from a welfare rights agency, both to ensure the relative 'safety' of your current WRAG award and to go through the prospects of getting into the support group and preparing for an appeal.

You are time limited to one month to inform the DWP if you wish to appeal.

Pete

Edit - sorry Survivor your post wasn't there when I started typing.

Pete

Thanks for the early replies! It's difficult to know what to do, I suppose at least I have a month to decide.

It's ok, you mentioned stuff I didn't, about the importance of face-to-face advice.

butterlyfudgie wrote:

I have been exempt on IB for several years, and am being transferred to ESA. I got a letter from Atos saying I would not need to go for a medical this time, which I took to mean that I would be in the Support Group, but I have had the dreaded letter which states I'm in the WRAG group, and must prepare for work.

Now, how can I be exempt on IB, don't need a medical for ESA(I've got Fibro and MH stuff, agrophobia being one)and yet be well enough to prepare for work?

I'm 56, who would employ me anyway? The annoying thing is if they hadn't changed the age of retirement I would only be 3 years away from retirement bah humbug

Anyway, the question being, should I appeal? Or just be grateful to not be put on JSA. Truth to tell, I'm gutted, the thought of going to the Job Centre makes me feel ill!

bad news on no support group
If I was in your postion and I am no expert I would start with the illness that makes me exempt the old IB medical ( as you say your exempt) and see how that ties in with the new regulations for esa and getting in the support group... as for the being greatful comment .. you dont have to be greatful its your right to be in the right group and if you can get a decent case you have as much right as the next person to be in the support group

I say start with the IB exempt illness as that might be your ace or foundations to build a case ... could be wrong but you have to start somewhere and you should start somewhere IMO