What is WRAG?

[bettie]

[Tigerlily4]

Work Related Activity Group, one of two groups in Employment Support Allowance - the other is called the Support Group.

[kulie13]

Most people get put into WRAG - probably at least 80 or 85%. It means you are deemed to be able to engage in 'work related activity' i.e. talking to an employment adviser about your future return to the workplace, and what support you might need to arrive at that stage. The first appointment is with an Employment Adviser in the Jobcentre, the rest of them will be with someone in a private sector company contracted to the DWP to run the Work Programme.

The good bit: they can offer wellness classes such as walking groups, CBT, help with CV preparation, training to change occupation - all sorts of things. It does not involve being told to apply for jobs. They cannot ask you to do anything that would make your condition worse. There is really nothing to be afraid of. If they push you in a direction you are not happy with, complain to their manager and complain to the Jobcentre.

The bad bit: they can defer appointments if you are not well, but if you don't turn up without telling them, they will sanction your benefit. They can't take away your basic amount, but they can remove the top-up you received since you got put into WRAG.

Another major implication of being put into WRAG is that if you receive ESA as a contribution-based benefit (i.e. you have paid all your NI contributions because you have worked recently) you can only get ESA for 365 days. The only way it can continue after that is if you are also eligible for the means-tested version. If you have a partner who works, you are unlikely to qualify (unless they have an extremely low income).

The other group of people on ESA who have been placed in the Support Group (a misnomer in my view, as they don't get any 'support') are deemed too ill/disabled to participate in any work related activity. They get slightly more money, and the payments can continue for as long as they qualify. They don't get asked to any interviews usually, apart from people occasionally checking that they still qualify or asking if they want to volunteer for things. Just say no.

If there is even a vague possibility that you have been put into the wrong group, I would suggest you appeal the decision. Get help from an advice agency to do this. You can only win such an appeal if you can score the relevant points or the 'exceptional circumstances' rules apply. Check this document for the points relevant to the Support Group on pages 24-26: direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_d...

Exceptional circs needs to show that there would be a substantial risk to your physical or mental health if you were found fit for work related activity. You need good medical evidence for any appeal, and it needs to be specific to the grounds of your appeal, not just saying you have Lupus. It is not about your condition(s), but about the functional difficulties you have because of the condition(s).

[bettie in reply to kulie13]

Thanks Kulie

Going to job centre tomorrow been made redundant after 24yrs can't get pension for another 11yrs.I've been looking into what I have to do, I am lost DWP ESA WRAG JCA I know what they stand for but what a mine field. 3yrs ago I was working full time then SLE,COPD and Diabetes, had to drop my hours first to 24hrs then 12hrs then no job, people say don't tell them this don't tell them that tell them your worse day no don't do that. I am taking my Husband with me tomorrow so fingers crossed it will all work out. Thanks again x

[else5]

hiya all i am on dwp i get my penson at the end of the year i have been getting dwp since 2002 will this stop i am up for reveiw in march 2013 i have lupus had it for 34 years now cannot walk very far can any one help keep well all of you x

[kulie13]

I think you mean DLA? If you have problems walking then see what letter of support you can get from your GP or consultant (nearer to March 2013), and ask them to comment specifically on how far you can manage before severe discomfort or exhaustion. Send the letter in with the review form. If you are limited to less than 50 metres then you should be eligible for high rate mobility. Everyone has periodic reviews so don't worry about it too much, just give them the facts about how you are at the time. They need to know what you are like MOST of the time, so if there is variation tell them about the good and the bad and how often you experience each. If you have a good day when you do more, make sure you tell them about the after-effects.