Re-Claiming after trying to go back to work

Hello

Im sorry if this has been asked before, but I did do a search on HCP & couldnt see a similar question.

Im going with my friend on Friday 7/8/15 for her ESA WCA, & I was wondering about the rights of the claimant regarding the qualifications of the HCP.

Im sure I read something over the past year saying that if the main issue was a mental health issue then the HCP MUST be Mental Health Trained.

Iv just rejoined B&W today, so iv been a bit out the loop.
I know a lot of the rules have changed recently especially with Maximus taking over form Atos.

I know in the past Atos used Physiotherapists for instance.I mean how on earth could they assess someone with mental health problems?!

We have also sent off the templet letter requesting the assessment be recorded.
I assume we still have the right to insist on this?

Just want to make sure we know all our rights before we go so any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much

Martin

Hello

I am in the ESA Support group & have been for a number of years.
I was wondering if I was re-assessed & down graded so to speak in the WRAG group if the £30 cut would apply to me?

I read on mind.org.uk
"If you are already on ESA (in the Support Group or the WRAG) by April 2017 and are reassessed and placed in the WRAG after April 2017, you will continue to receive the higher rate of benefit."

This is confusing & I dont understand what it means.

Does this mean if I am re-assessed now, before April 2017 then I WILL loose the £30 per week.
But if its after 2017 then I wont?

Thank you for any clarification on this
Martin

greeneyedlad wrote: Hello

I am in the ESA Support group & have been for a number of years.
I was wondering if I was re-assessed & down graded so to speak in the WRAG group if the £30 cut would apply to me?

I read on mind.org.uk
"If you are already on ESA (in the Support Group or the WRAG) by April 2017 and are reassessed and placed in the WRAG after April 2017, you will continue to receive the higher rate of benefit."

This is confusing & I dont understand what it means.

Does this mean if I am re-assessed now, before April 2017 then I WILL loose the £30 per week.
But if its after 2017 then I wont?

Thank you for any clarification on this
Martin

Hi GEL,

See This Recent News Article

As far as we are currently aware, even if you were downgraded to WRAG, before or after April 2017, as you would still be an "existing current ESA claimant/recipient" it should not affect you !!

bro58

cheers Bro58

Hello

Can anyone please tell me if I gave up my ESA & tried to go back to work, but then fell ill again, how many weeks I have to re-claim without starting a fresh claim?

I seem to remember being told this when it happened to me years ago when I tried to go back to work that as long as it was within 6 weeks? (I cant remember how many or if this even still applies) my previous claim is still on the system & I dont have to go through it all again.

Im also wondering if I went back to work, & fell ill again with the 6 week? period would I loose the £30 per week in WRAG.

Or is it treated as a new claim if within that period?

many thanks
Martin