I've been placed in the ESA wrag and don't know what to expect.

[AFineLass]

Hi all, this is my first post, been around for about 6mths and have learnt lots about FMS and CFS. I'm in need of advice about ESA wrag. Dec 2012 sent in my pink form, don't remember the name of it (don't remember much these days). Got a phone call last week from Benefits Office telling me I was changing over to ESA and my money would stay the same for 18mths, she said there was a letter in the post. Today received letter from Benefits and it says I've been placed in the wrag and that I may also be required to attend a work-focused health-related assessment with a health care professional, does that mean ATOS? After the phone call I felt my stress levels drop and now I can feel the stress coming back due to receiving this letter. I have suffered depression and anxiety most of my adult life and last May was diagnosed with FMS, then there's IBS and Rauynards. I don't know what to expect and feel very worried about my future, if I lose my money then I won't be able to pay the bedroom tax and keep a roof over my head. I would like to work-part time but don't know if that is possible due to how I feel day to day, as I have no idea how I am going to feel the next day or hour for that matter. Does anyone have any information they could tell me about ESA wrag and health assessment, big thanks. Look forward to hearing from you.

[Aliborange]

I've had the exact same happen to me. Filled forms in, got same phone call followedby same letter. Still in the dark. You think it's all sorted and then that letter confuses you all over again. Sorry not been much help but just so you know your not on your own xx

[AFineLass]

Thanks Aliborange, was wondering how fast all the changes move, how long ago did you receive your letter and waiting for your appointments from the Benefits Office. This is no fun is it, not knowing what is going to happen. Good luck and thanks for getting back to me.

[sophie22]

you will get an appointment through the post to attend your local job centre, this is to see if you need any help getting back to work. The lady supervising me looked at my CV decided there was nothing to offer me and now phones me every three months to see how i am and if i need any help getting back to work, the government say she has to do this, in reality she said how am i supposed to find someone with complex health issues a job when i cant find work for those who are fit? Don't worry about it just keep them in a job!

[AFineLass]

Hi Sophie22, thanks for your reply. You've lightened my stress a little. Did you have to go for a medical?

[Mdaisy]

Welcome to the forum Afinelass,

I am sorry you are so stressed at the moment, I think a lot of us are with all these benefit changes so we understand. If you need to talk to get things off your chest we are here to listen and help advise best we can.

If you would like information on ESA please email [e-mail] as we can send you the Benefits & Work guides out for free. These include a guide called Understanding ESA which may be most helpful to you.

Here is the Benefits & Work website

benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Can I also provide you with some information on Bedroom tax

disabilityrightsuk.org/bedr...

I wish you all the best

Emma

[snowbell]

Yep I went thru it last year and had same experience as sophie. I didnt have a medical, but its been 8yrs since I stopped working and I do think the length of time claiming does affect your change over. I stressed out too after all the horror stories about esa. But I also had a nice person in jobcentre, his son was disabled and I think that helps if they have some notion of disability. It was really refreshing to have someone understanding in a jobcentre! I havent had my second callup yet, but I think will only have a phonecall like sophie has. He said much the same thing about it being ridiculous expecting ppl like us who r on so many meds to work. So fingers xd u will have a good experience too, just to say not all esa swapovers are nightmare experiences. Good luck xx

[snowbell]

Yep I went thru it last year and had same experience as sophie. I didnt have a medical, but its been 8yrs since I stopped working and I do think the length of time claiming does affect your change over. I stressed out too after all the horror stories about esa. But I also had a nice person in jobcentre, his son was disabled and I think that helps if they have some notion of disability. It was really refreshing to have someone understanding in a jobcentre! I havent had my second callup yet, but I think will only have a phonecall like sophie has. He said much the same thing about it being ridiculous expecting ppl like us who r on so many meds to work. So fingers xd u will have a good experience too, just to say not all esa swapovers are nightmare experiences. Good luck xx

[sue32]

I'm in the WRAG too. Had an interview with a lady at the job centre and she was actually 'not bad'. I was stressed to hell and my fibro flared up of course. She said I wouldn't need a medical for 12 months, so that's October this year, but she also said that further interviews could be carried out over the phone. I've not heard anything since :-))

[AFineLass]

Want to say a BIG thanks to you all. I feel like I have a better idea of what to expect now, I'm hoping I don't have to go for a medical, sounds very stressful. Guess I just have to wait for my appointment and try not to stress too much as that makes my Fibro worse. Thanks again. x.

[jayjayboy]

I have an appointment as well at the jobcentre, I have been moved into the WRAG group but I am appealing, Can I just ask how long the interview took as I have problems with my back sitting for more than a few minutes ( I also have a prolapsed disc in my back and arthritis) and it says on the letter it can last for up to an hour.I am worried about the length of time I will have to be there.