Placed into WRAG instead of SG

rita cooper wrote: Hi this is my first time doing but I need help I am currently in receipt of ESA contribution when I made my claim I went for the medical and jobcentre told me not to worry about medical evidence again and I would be in support group but today I found out I m not in this group and ESA finishes in 91 days and i am completely stressed over this. I was retired on medicial grounds with lupus. How can I get into the right group. Any advice please.

First some admin.

In case you are not aware, your real name appears to be showing in the forum, if you want to change this then follow the instructions in the following FAQ

My full name is showing, how can I stop it?

While you remain in the WRAG there is nothing you can do to stop the cessation of your ESA(CB) payments even if you lodge an appeal, payment will cease in 91 days, as notified.

Have you checked to see whether you would also be eligible for Income Related ESA, this is subject to a means test of family income, assets and savings, and any hours that a partner works, see

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

You can still make a late appeal to be placed in the Support Group, proving that you can meet one or more the criteria for the Support Group.

Qualifying for the Support Group

If you are successful with an appeal, then your SG status will be backdated to the date of your previous Decision and it will be as if you have not spent any time in the WRAG. There is no time limit for ESA(CB) in the SG.

Alternatively, if you can show that there has been a substantial deterioration in your condition, or you have a new condition, such that you would now meet the criteria for the Support Group, then you can make a request for a Supersession. You will need medical evidence that shows the change and that it has occurred since your last assessment.

To request a Supersession, all you have to do is to write to the DWP asking for a re-assessment as a result of a change in you condition. If you are successful the payments will restart from the date of the new Decision and you will continue to receive payments as long as you remain in the SG.

If you decide to appeal, you will need to explain why you are doing so late, but the DWP have been accepting these without question. You should have a look at

Our ESA Appeal guide

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa

and the following FAQs

Is there any risk to challenging a decision?

How long do I have to appeal?

How to submit an appeal

ESA medical – what forms to ask for?

Disability Rights UK Factsheet - Appeals and reconsiderations

Preparing for a Tribunal

MOJ Video of ESA Appeals Process and Tribunal

12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)

Do I have to attend WFIs while I appeal?

If you have more questions, please reply to this post.

Gordon