ESA Support Group query

Hello. Two days ago I had a letter (on cream paper!?) from DWP telling me that an appointment had been made for me to attend my local job centre in January. This appointment is mandatory and will be used to discuss "training to update your skills" and "the progress you have made so far to prepare for work". In December 2013 I was moved from Incapacity Benefit (granted in 2006) to ESA Support Group without a medical. I rang DWP and said I was in the Support Group and am surprised to get the letter but I do have to attend. Can someone tell me if this a usual occurence and what to expect at the interview? Many thanks!

Hi Tessa and welcome to the forum. On the assumption that you are also new to the site, this FAQ should help you find your way around.

Welcome to Benefits and Work

We have quite a few members who have received such a letter recently. Have a look at this topic -

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=top...=102413&limitstart=0

Hi TM,

This sounds more like a Work Focused Interview which is actually part of Work
Related Activity. (WRA)

If it is, and it is not simply a Benefits/Compliance Check, you cannot be compelled to attend/comply if you are in The SG.

See :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?view=top...&limitstart=0#127116

You might want to recontact them and quote :

DMG Chapter 53 53014. 2.

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

1.entitled to ESA or an advance award of ESA 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.

See also ESA Regulation 54 (2) (b)

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

If you don’t have to comply with WFI’s you don’t have to comply with WRA either.

The threat of a complaint to your M.P. may also help :

Contacting your MP

bro58