esa

Dee Dee wrote: I live in northern Ireland, and following a recent medical have been placed in the support group and wrag. I really feel that i could not cope with the wrag group, but understand that if i challenge it i could loose my whole benefit, which i really could not cope with. I feel a bit like it's a veiled threat as not to challenge them or face the concenquences. I'm finding the whole thing very stressful, i'ts actually having a further negative impact on my health. Should i ring the DM, try and put my case across and ask for them to reconsider the decision.

You cannot be in the "support group and wrag", so I assume you mean that you are in the WRAG only.

There is a risk should you ask for a Reconsideration or an Appeal, but we cannot quantify that risk for an individual claim. Things you need to consider are how many points you scored in total, how many descriptors you scored points against, and subjectively how strong you think your case was.

You also need to consider whether you meet the criteria for the Support Group and how strong your case is

[url=http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/forum-faq/esa-faq#ESA160

If you do wish to challenge the Decision then we recommend you appeal rather just asking for a Reconsideration, you lose nothing by doing, the DWP will still look at the Decision again, and you may save several weeks or even longer if it not revised by them. Have a look at the following.

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