was on IB now put onto ESA

nick nicholson wrote: hello,
I'm new to this sort of thing so forgive me if my query has already been mentioned.
I received a letter from DWP telling me that I have been put on ESA, also states that I have been placed on work related activity group, don't really know as to what this involves, I have been registered disabled since 2002, due to two back operations, after three appeals I let rip at the doctor at the appeals centre(got nothing to loose) as the visiting doctor told quite a few lies, anyway I was awarded a unanimous vote for DLA high rate mobility and middle rate care, so I thought like many others that it meant for life, but now a letter from DWP knocked me sick. So now my money for ESA will end in 12 months, the job centre said that I should appeal and see if I could be put in a support group.
Can you please try and explain in laymans terms as to what this involves.
regards nick

Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

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Your question covers a broad area so I have included a lot of links to further information, this may seem daunting but it is all relevant to your situation, please feel free to ask further questions by replying to this post.

I assume that you were previously on IB and were then transferred to ESA, this being the case you will have been transferred to Contribution Based ESA.

Unfortunately, the current Government changed the rules regarding the payment of ESA(CB) and as a result, while you remain in the WRAG, your payments are limited to 365 days. After this your ESA(CB) will stop, however, if you are also eligible for Income Related ESA, which is subject to a means test of household income, assets and savings, and any hours that a partner works, then payments will continue as ESA(IR).

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

The time limit does not apply if you are in the Support Group.

You also need to be aware that you DLA will be moved to PIP at some time over the next 5 years, if your award is indefinite then this will be at some time after 2015, if it is a fixed term award, then it will likely be at your next renewal.

While you remain in the WRAG, you will be expected to participate in Work Related Activity

Work Focussed Interviews

Work Programme

If you believe that you can show that you meet the criteria for the Support Group then you can appeal the Decision to place you in the WRAG. See

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?

Qualifying for the Support Group

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?

Gordon