ESA

I'm worried that the job centre wats a informal interview,I'm 85% blind and many disabilities I claim DLA high rate mobility and middle rate care also have mental illness.
They also put me on ESA and told I will be placed on a support group telling me I don't have to take part in any work-related activity.I've just come out of hospital and been told to rest .
But this interview is causes me many worries.
What is this informal interview
Any ideas please ?

wilben63 wrote: I'm worried that the job centre wats a informal interview,I'm 85% blind and many disabilities I claim DLA high rate mobility and middle rate care also have mental illness.
They also put me on ESA and told I will be placed on a support group telling me I don't have to take part in any work-related activity.I've just come out of hospital and been told to rest .
But this interview is causes me many worries.
What is this informal interview
Any ideas please ?

Hi w63,

Welcome to Benefits and Work

If possible you or someone else on your behalf needs to telephone the number on letter to find out what this informal interview is actually pertaining to.

Is it a benefits entitlement check to see whether you are receiving the correct benefits at the correct rate ?

Is it to check your Bank Details and financial circumstances ?

If any of the above, then you will need to have the interview, and provide any information that they may request.

If you will struggle to attend this interview at The Job Centre offices due to your disabilities, you can request that it takes place in your home.

You will be able to have a friend, relative or carer present as well.

If it is anything to do with Work Related Activity (WRA) or a Work Focused Interview, (WFI) and you have already been placed into the Support Group of ESA, you cannot be compelled to attend.

Again, I would advise that you contact them and inform them of your situation.

You do have a right to know what this interview is about beforehand.

Please reply to this post if you have any further queries.

bro58

My letter says I've been placed in a support group because of my illness/disabilities restricts the possibility of working .
This means I don't have to take part in any work-related activity
But I can volunteer to see personal adviser if I want
So is that WFI or WRA ?
I thank you for your earlier reply it will very useful

wilben63 wrote: My letter says I've been placed in a support group because of my illness/disabilities restricts the possibility of working .
This means I don't have to take part in any work-related activity
But I can volunteer to see personal adviser if I want
So is that WFI or WRA ?
I thank you for your earlier reply it will very useful

Hi wb63,

Yes, seeing a JCP Adviser regarding "Work prospects" etc, would be WFI's or WRA which are part of Work Related Activity.

Therefore, as you have a written Decision Notice letter stating that you are in The Support Group (SG) you definitely do not have to take part, no matter what they may say to the contrary.

As you rightly state, you can volunteer, however even if you did wish to take part voluntarily, you should be weary, as what starts off as being voluntary can end up being mandatory.

If the interview is to do with WFI or WRA or future employment prospects, and they try to compel you to take part, send them a copy of your SG Decision Notice letter, :

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

and draw their attention to the following :

ESA Regulations 2008 Reg 54 (2) (b) : "is not a member of the support group;"

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2008/794/regulation/54/made

Also confirmed in The DMG Chapter 53 53014. @ 2.

53014 The conditions1 referred to in DMG 53013 are that the claimant is

1. entitled to ESA or an advance award of ESA2 has been made (DMG 53200 et seq)

and

2. not a member of the support group

and


3. under the age at which a woman of the same age as the claimant attains pensionable age (see DMG Chapter 75) and

4. not a person who is only entitled to ESA(Cont) payable at nil rate

5. not a lone parent who is responsible for and a member of the same household
as a child aged under one.

From :

DM Guide CH 53.

Of course, if it is any type of Benefit/ Financial check, and nothing to do with WFI/WRA, you will have to comply as previously advised.

Hope this helps.

Please keep us updated.

bro58