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ESA support group success and a quick question.

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9 years 10 months ago - 9 years 10 months ago #120600 by rob knight
I filled in my transfer from incapacity benefit to ESA form about 6 months ago and got my answer this Monday.
ESA support group with no medical.
Thanks to the guides here I included a lot more of how my daily life is affected.
So, a big thank you and well done.

Now the question,
At the bottom of my ESA letter it states "You have been placed in the support group because your illness or disability restricts the possibility of working" it goes on to say I don't have to take part in any work related activity and I can see a personal adviser if I wish to do so.

This morning I got a letter from jobcentre +, they have demanded I go for a work focused interview to discuss work related activities, followed by threats of sanctions if I fail to do so.
Seems to me they have their wires crossed.
I have every intention of going to the interview rather than phone them but I'm not sure if I have to go along with anything they insist on me doing.

Thanks for any advice.
Last edit: 9 years 10 months ago by Gordon.

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9 years 10 months ago #120602 by Gordon
Dooley

We have a number of these cases over the last six months, I am afraid the results have been variable; one was in the SG, one wasn't and we are still waiting for the others to let us know what is happening.

I would start by phoning the DWP office that normally deals with your claim, you need to confirm that their systems are showing that you are in the Support Group, if they confirm that you are then you need to contact the JC+ advisor as you are not required to participate in Work Related Activity.

If they do not then you need to escalate the problem to a Customer Manager, this normally requires a call back, the ESA call centre staff will not have access to the information needed to sort this out.

If you can, we would appreciate an update in case anybody else is effected in the future.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: libran1962

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9 years 10 months ago #120606 by rob knight
Replied by rob knight on topic ESA support group success and a quick question.
Thanks for the help, Gordon.
I'll ring the DWP and the jobcentre and let you know how I get on.

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9 years 10 months ago #120618 by rob knight
Replied by rob knight on topic ESA support group success and a quick question.
I rang the ESA number and after a bit of explaining I convinced them I was in the support group and not WRAG.
I was then told to ring my personal adviser at the jobcentre which it seems you can't do anymore, I was then told by the main office they would email my local office and I would get a call back in 3 working hours which could be between now and 10 am tomorrow.

That's it so far, stay tuned for the next exciting installment.

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9 years 10 months ago #120622 by rob knight
Replied by rob knight on topic ESA support group success and a quick question.
Just had the call back and they've cancelled the appointment and told me I don't have to attend any job related stuff and I'm in the support group for three years.
It was due to their systems not being up to date.
All very amusing when you consider both letters originate from jobcentre+.
Hope this helps someone else.

Thanks again for the advice.

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9 years 10 months ago #120623 by Gordon
Dooley

Glad to hear it was sorted out so quickly.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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