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Committing to Holidays whilst being assessed??

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12 years 5 months ago #71112 by Augustus
Hi! if anyone can help on this:

I am being re-assessed from IB to ESA; form due in end-October; don;t know when medical would be.
If I was put into WRAG and appealed, is it risky for me to commit financially to a holiday after Easter next year?
I mean, if i was put under commitments by WRAG. What are the rules, if anyone knows, about being away whilstin WRAG?
Also, could appeal drag on to April/May and would one be allowed to say a given date was not possible because one was away?

Grateful for any advice as i am stuck and am being pressed on a really good deal and this process has confused and worried me about committing to anything away from home.
Many thanks

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12 years 5 months ago #71116 by Gordon
Augustus

There are several issues you need to be aware of.

First there limitations on you leaving the country while in receipt of ESA, and you need to keep the DWP informed of what you are doing. See here.

Secondly, if you are placed in the WRAG, then you will have an obligation to attend Work Focussed Interviews and may be forwarded onto the Work Programme.

Whilst it may well be possible to arrange any appointments around your holiday, you need to be aware that a failure to attend, can result in sanctions being applied to your benefit unless you can show good cause.

Good cause reasons are usually limited to the following.

- a worsened fluctuating health condition
- a period in hospital
- inability to attend because of an illness
- transport problems on the day
- recent bereavement
- caring responsibilities for someone severely disabled or terminally ill
- you are in the late stages of pregnancy

With regard to any potential appeal hearing. Yes, you can specify dates that you are unavailable.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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12 years 5 months ago #71140 by Derek4
Hi Augustus

If your holiday is booked before appointments are arranged, it is extremely unlikely that you would be expected to cancel your holiday to attend a WFI (at least I hope that's the case!). An alternative date is most likely to be given.

Regards

Derek

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