ESA working or support group

[Hecter]

I have been put in the ESA work group but I am unsure what the difference is between this and the support group.I have been told that in the work group you are expected to attend work focussed interviews and that in the support group there is no support they just leave you alone.Anyone know the official line on this

[ingy]

What are the main differences between the work-related activity group and the support group?

The major differences are that:

ESA work-related activity group members have to attend work-focused interviews and undertake work-related activities, such as training or condition management programmes, but support group members do not;

ESA work-related activity group members get less money because the work-related activity component is paid at a lower rate than the support component;

if the government introduce a proposed one year limit on claiming contributory ESA, this will apply to members of the work-related activity group, but not to members of the support group.

How do you qualify for the employment and support allowance work-related activity group?

Most claimants who qualify for the work-related activity group do so because they have scored enough points in the limited capability for work assessment. Others qualify because they are exempt or because they are covered by the exceptional circumstances rules, such as there being a danger to themselves or to other people if they were not placed in the work-related activity group.

[Hecter in reply to ingy]

Thanks for the information but I dont know why I am on the work related group.Upto 6 years ago I worked as a teacher - 33 years in total - then I was attacked by a heroine addict one evening whilst I was in my classroom marking books.To cut a long story short I have Post traumatic Stress Disorder from this industrial accident -I have attempted suicide 4 times and so have serious mental health problems, I also have severe asthma and arthritis (just had a hip replacement)I aso have inner ear problems affecting my balance.I am at this moment unable to work.I have had 1 work related interview - my husband took me and I spent the whole hour sobbing and shaking - that was in August.After that interview I found out about the support group so appealed to be in the support and not work group despite the fact that I had been in the work group for 5 months.I received a letter from DWP saying they had got my appeal and it will be dealt with in due course.I had no idea about money differences.I am on higher levels for DLA

[Hecter]

I know I am on contribution based benefits though and yes have to pay for prescriptions.I buy a pre paid prescription because I have 11 repeat prescriptions which I have on a weekly basis due to my overdose problems when things got just too bad to want to continue living.DWP and ATHOS being 2 of the culprits.Thanks for your reply

[Hidden in reply to Hecter]

The support group level IS a higher rate and if they decide that is where you should be they should backdate the difference in payments.

[hufferpuffer]

Hello Hecter,I've just read your blog and wanted to say how sorry I am that you have been through so much and are now having to deal with this terrible treatment. I hope they put you into the support group soon, try not to stress as it will just make you more ill. keep your chin up and remember you are not alone. You seem to be on such a lot of medication,I wish that wasn't so,I'm so lucky that over the border here in Wales we don't have to pay for the medication we have to have.

I have had a mastoidectomy on my left ear, three ops in all and I've had the middle bones removed so have tinnutus all the time and almost deaf isn't it a bummer! Take care,breathe easy,travel light, Carol

[Hecter]

Thankyou for your reply.I will just have to wait and see if my appeal gets any results.The cold weather is not doing me any favours at the moment but it is the same for everyone.Keep well.liz