Apparent changes in ESA health criteria

To my great surprise,I was told today by am ESA official here in Scotland that the old 46 health descriptors were replaced over a year ago (i.e.typically 6,9,or 15 for this or that health condition and its severity,with 15 being the threshhold into the Support group).Ihave viewed a copy of the Atos doctor's report and he states that he considers I am unfit for work for the next two years.However,my local Jobcentre Plus has placed me on the Work~related component.I will be appealing and am about to receive an explanation for the decision.The ESA official asserted the 46 descriptors used to apply to Incapacity Benefit claimants,but not anymore to ESA claimants.Any advice?Rather worried,as no longer sure of my ground.

Hi Phantom

There has either been a misunderstanding or the ESA official is plainly wrong.

ESA replaced IB for new claimants in late 2008. For the Work Capacity Assessment used for ESA, 15 is the threshold to qualify for the Work-Related Activities group. There is a different test altogether for the support group, which you can read about in the guides in the members' area.

Feel free to appeal if you feel that you should be in the support group, but I would recommend getting face-to-face advice first, as there is a risk of losing what you have already been awarded.

Good luck

Derek

I also have been placed in the WRAG and have also been declared unfit for two years plus(ie never again)so you must have been misinformed.