ESA and living abroad - advice needed

Hi,

I would appreciate some help or guidance through this esa minefield please

I worked and lived in the uk for over 15 years. I was involved in an RTA in 2002 and was subsequently diagnosed with chronic fibromyalgia and cervical spondylitis in early 2003. I began receiving IB late 2003 and continued to receive it when I relocated to Ireland with my young kids after my marital breakup. I relocated as I have good family support here. I have not been able to work since 2002.

I had my last dwp medical in Ireland in Sept 2012. I recently received a letter from dwp stating i have been migrated from IB to contributed ESA WRAG, this will end Jan 2014. I rang dwp and asked what options were available to me, was told my esa would end jan 2014, I was advised to request a statement of reasons and a copy of my medical report from Sept 2012 and I could then appeal to go into the Support group if I wanted to, but to look on the positive side - as I'm abroad I didnt have to go to job centre interviews etc as I will not be required or expected to carry out any activities relating to work!! I requested statement of reasons and a copy of the irish medical report. I then received a letter from dwp telling me the difference between WRAG group and Support group and a brief summary of my medical report. This was not what I requested, is this normal procedure?

I was also told by dwp, that I could try and apply for an irish disability benefit as I wouldn't be entitled to income related esa when my contribution esa ends in jan 2014 as I am not resident in uk. I have only worked on a regular basis in the uk before my health issues began, does habitual residence not apply?

Am totally confused by it all so any advice would be appreciated

Thanks
Fibrolady

Thanks for the quick reply Gordon, will have a look at the info