THE FULL FACTS

I've come across some interesting information which may affect Wrag group members at some point. I have provided links to both a Pdf document on the work programme and the new skills conditionality scheme. I hope these are useful to members in some way.


The work programme:

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-pg-chapter-2.pdf


The skills conditionality scheme:

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/skills-condi ... tation.pdf

That looks helpful - thanks. Unfortunately, govt documents make my eyes spin and my brain tired - any chance you could summarise the relevant points for us? Many thanks!

_________________
Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) - Download pdf
• ESA50 2013 NEW - Download pdf
• ESA113 (03/11) - Download pdf (DWP Form sent to Dr to complete for ESA)

Information:

• Claim Form and medical guide - (Download pdf)
• The Full Facts - Advocacy support list
• Support Group Criteria
• ilegal guide to ESA50 questionnaire
• Turn2us - access to Benefits and Grants
• Contact your local MP
• 2012 WCA handbook pdf
• ATOS official complaints procedure pdf

The Work Programme:

It appears only ESA claimants who are in receipt of Income Related ESA, who at the end of the WCA process are given a 3-6 month prognosis by the Atos HCP, can be required to attend the work programme as part of the condition of recieving the WRAG component of their ESA. This does not however apply, if you are a full time carer and receving either Carers Allowance or underlying entitlement to the Carers Premium. Or if you have a child under the age of 5.

ESA claimants who are appealing against their WCA decision are classed as exempt from the work programme until the outcome of their appeal is decided.

The Skills Condionality Scheme:

Since August 2011 ESA WRAG claimants became eligible for referal to the new skills conditionality scheme this process usually starts with after your first WFI. The referrals to the nextstep service may include careers advice, an initial interview with a skills training provider and subsequent referral to skills training, are now mandatory. This training can incluse, literacy and numeracy, English language, motivation and confidence building. Any decisions to mandate potential participants to training is supposed to include consideration of the claimants’ health needs and individual circumstances. All mandated claimants will receive help with travel and childcare costs where it is deemed appropriate.

Thanks for that David - especially useful is the part about those who appeal being exempt from WFIs etc.

_________________
Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) - Download pdf
• ESA50 2013 NEW - Download pdf
• ESA113 (03/11) - Download pdf (DWP Form sent to Dr to complete for ESA)

Information:

• Claim Form and medical guide - (Download pdf)
• The Full Facts - Advocacy support list
• Support Group Criteria
• ilegal guide to ESA50 questionnaire
• Turn2us - access to Benefits and Grants
• Contact your local MP
• 2012 WCA handbook pdf
• ATOS official complaints procedure pdf

I was moved from support group to wrag (after a medical) and have my first mandatory job centre interview next month. As I will be nearly 62 what might I be offered in training/learning etc. I will probably have to appeal (waiting for my ESA85) and the post on 'exemption from the work prog.' was very useful. My own plan would be to enrol at a local college and update my computer skills to enter the job's market when my 365 days on cont.ESA runs out in June 2013 (I will be nearly 63). By then I will not have done any paid work for 24 years and I accept getting a job may not be possible. I also have not got any better since being in the support group until June this year and I expect my health to be the same next year. Any advice from the moderators or other 'users' would be most useful. And thanks to everyone connected with this site.

This raises an interesting question. If you're in the SG there is no limit to how long you receive Contribution Based ESA. But when in the WRAG it's time limited as you know, BUT THAT'S BACKDATED to when your claim for ESA began. However, would they still backdate if the earlier period had been spent in the SG ? That's one for the legal beagles. But don't count on June 2013 being the termination point, unless you have been specifically told that.

If your health is the same as when you qualified for the SG then you stand a very good chance of winning your appeal. In the meantime, enrolling at college for computer skills is a very good idea, and it would take a very awkward JCP to insist on your looking for e.g. shelf-stacking jobs if you're at college. However, these are not good times to be living in. You just can't predict what rules they will trot out.

Good luck with your appeal.

_________________
Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) - Download pdf
• ESA50 2013 NEW - Download pdf
• ESA113 (03/11) - Download pdf (DWP Form sent to Dr to complete for ESA)

Information:

• Claim Form and medical guide - (Download pdf)
• The Full Facts - Advocacy support list
• Support Group Criteria
• ilegal guide to ESA50 questionnaire
• Turn2us - access to Benefits and Grants
• Contact your local MP
• 2012 WCA handbook pdf
• ATOS official complaints procedure pdf

hi i hope someone can help me , i have just got my esa for up to 365 days i think? they have said in the letter that i have to go on a wrag to get my entiltlement , can i appeal againest this so that i can be put on a support group, its all very confussing to say the least i am going on 56 with polio so im am very limited to what i can do in all types on movement but if i am right after 365 im am classed as fit for work [seeems that i will have ahealing by the almighty in the next year] look forward to any advice

Yes, but don't wait.

Appeal form is in my signature (leaflet GL24) start filling it out now to give you as much time as possible, but request one aswell and notify them you are appealing.



If you are on contribution ESA it runs out after a year and is then means tested, so if you have to much money or partner works taking you over the earnings limit you get nothing after 365 days, if not you may still get benefits. You are not classed fit for work just because the time limit ran out.

If you think you should be in support group appeal now and while waiting get as much Doctors and medical support paper work as possible and foward copies to your appeal file at the DWP or ATOS.

More information here:
adviceguide.org.uk


You may want to request information from the DWP on how their decision was made,


Did you have a medical?

_________________
Forms:

• GL24 (February 2012) - Download PDF .
• ESA50 (03/11) - Download PDF.
• ESA113 (03/11) - Download PDF (DWP Form to Dr to Complete for ESA).

Information:

• Claim Form and medical guide - (Download PDF).
• The Full Facts - Advocacy support list.
• Support Group Criteria.

Hi

@etherglen1 - I rarely post on this site but find it extremely helpful with all the information and help

I saw your post, I to am a Polio survivor (almost 53) there are quite a few of us out here of 'working age'

I had my first 'assessment' in September 2010 after having to give up work due to deteriorating health, put into WRAG stating that I should be re-assessed in 12mths, first assessment condition was Post Polio Syndrome & muscle wasting.
Second assessment was in January this year - and yes miraculously 'cured' and now have 'back pain' My Tribunal is set for Wednesday of next week.

There are a group of us who have started our own forum for support and information - mostly the information is directing to sites such as these but lots more on PPS & Late Effects of Polio, let me know and I'll send you the link if your interested.

Rosena

Edit> Just had a call from MoJ - Tribunal postponed until 'specialist Dr' can be on panel

My medical moved me from the support group to the WRAG the following working day and the decision letter took a further two days to reach my home address. Addressing the house of commons on 2nd July, 2012, the minister Chris Greyling reported the award process from Atos to dwp has a target of 35 working days but as at May 2012 the average has reached 62.8 working days. He went on to say THERE IS NO FAST TRACK but obviously if he had known about my award he could have reported that the Award process was working well.

hi thanks for all your support it is very kind of you all ,to rosena thankyou i have pps to not good haha but it help to know that we are all in this boat, i would love for you to send me the link thanks , i did have a medical it lasted 12mins not long and all the doc did was look at my back, legs [both totally wasted 1 in full lenght caliper ] asked some things about movement and if i was depressed and asked 3 times if i can go up staires without my stair lift {funny!!!] and after that was on the computor filling boxs , i will now start my appeal ,i will keep you all posted once again many thanks all of you out there and please keep up all the great work you have given me hope

Hi etherglen1

Oh welcome to the club - apparently I have 'slight' muscle wasting lmao

Apologies in advance Miss Ben_E_Fit for putting this link in the forum - can't PM it

http://www.postpoliocafe.co.uk

hope to see you there soon

Rosena