ESA I/R WRAG Jobcentre Interviews.

Hello, I have been seeing my Jobcentre Advisor, since I was dismissed on health grounds ; July 2011. R. A. I am 56. The advisor is looking at me getting back into paid work. I am currently appealing my DLA. Have just had the Atos Doctor `s home visit. I did something really stupid by signing the form after the 1 1/2 visit, without reading through it first. Yes, a copy of it has since been sent to me. Why do they want further information ? The one I filled out is more detailed and informative, than this Atos Dr.s one. Although, it took 1 1/2 hours , he failed to write much of the info I was telling him. His writing is very poor.
Secondly, I am thinking of becoming a carer, preferably for the 20 hours per week, than the 35.
If I do become a carer, is one obliged to continue to attend the Work Focused Interviews with the disability advisor ? I am claiming ESA I/R Wrag. Many Thanks, Josie.

josie wrote: Hello, I have been seeing my Jobcentre Advisor, since I was dismissed on health grounds ; July 2011. R. A. I am 56. The advisor is looking at me getting back into paid work. I am currently appealing my DLA. Have just had the Atos Doctor `s home visit. I did something really stupid by signing the form after the 1 1/2 visit, without reading through it first. Yes, a copy of it has since been sent to me. Why do they want further information ? The one I filled out is more detailed and informative, than this Atos Dr.s one. Although, it took 1 1/2 hours , he failed to write much of the info I was telling him. His writing is very poor.
Secondly, I am thinking of becoming a carer, preferably for the 20 hours per week, than the 35.
If I do become a carer, is one obliged to continue to attend the Work Focused Interviews with the disability advisor ? I am claiming ESA I/R Wrag. Many Thanks, Josie.

Hi J,

Being a "carer" does not exempt you from WFI/WRA in itself.

You must be in receipt of The Carer Premium (CP), or Carers Allowance (CA), as explained in this FAQ :

Work Focused Interviews

You would have to be providing care for someone else for at least 35 hours/week to be entitled to CA or The CP.

www.gov.uk/carers-allowance

As it seems that your in receipt of ESA you could not also receive CA, as it is an overlapping benefit, however if you were providing the 35 hours/week care, and therefore had an underlying entitlement to CA, as you get IR ESA, you may receive The CP as an IR ESA top-up.

You should also consider whether the actions that you will carry out in your caring responsibilities are in direct conflict with the limitations that placed you into The WRAG.

You may wish to seek advice on this before making a commitment.

Where to get advice?

bro58