hi i got sle and was awarded dla indefinite, now im getting esa , why do i have to go to back to work interviews

[ladylou]

[lauraa11en]

I can't give you a definitive answer but I can tell you what I have been told and assume is similar. I too receive dla but apparently the disability testing is different to the work capability and many people who receive DLA can work. All DLA looks at is mobility and how u care for yourself. With the ESA it sounds like you have been placed in the work support group which means you are only eligible to receive payment for 365 days and it is assumed that you will be able to return to work in the near future. I was in this position up until recently unil my ATOS assessment at which I scored 00 points and am fit to work. I spoke to DLA and they say it does not affect my DLA and it still stands! Hope this helps. But I would suggest contacting jobcentre plus and ask for a full explanation.

[ebril]

Do any of you get income support or incapacity benefits if so this is why they make me go to

Work related assessments even though I am having dla

[llm1970]

Hi guys - I have SLE and have been struggling for a longtime now but just tried to carry on and on which has resulted in me being signed off my work (I hope I will get back). My mum says that I should claim DLA but I am not sure if I can if I am still employed what do you guys think

[Anteater in reply to llm1970]

Hi, YES you should apply for DLA - you get this even if you work !

[YvetteHW]

I get high rates for DLA...and am also getting ESA. There are different groups in ESA that the medical you had determines you are put in. If you have been referred straight to Job seekers Allowance it means that the medical you had has deemed you fit for work now. If you are having back to work interviews it means you are in the Work Related Activity Group or WRAG. This means the DWP thinks that you will be able to return to work soon. If you are put in the support group it means that you are not fit for work for the timebeing but, you will probably have another medical in the future to see if your health has improved. If you think you are in the wrong group you need to appeal. There is a time limit for this so you need to do it sooner rather than later. You need form GL24 from DWP. Good luck xx

[cambridge]

Do you automatically get DLA if you are diagnosed with lupus then? Even if you are working?

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to cambridge]

No. DLA is awarded based on how your mobility and ability to carry out day-to-day tasks are affected. Since lupus affects everybody differently, there is no automatic in. Many people with lupus experience relatively mild symptoms compared to others and would not be eligible at all.

On another note, if you are working, you are not excluded from claiming DLA.

[katerowley]

hi, also watch out for the work programme providers, ive got a hell of a game on at the moment, there refusing to believe my lupus is that bad, and in there words it should be better by now, just shows there ignorance. im getting my doctors involved.

[sabine]

HI Katerowley. I understand completely. I have been put into the WRAG esa employment group and i too was disbelieved that my health was bad enough that i could not work!!! I got my GP and support worker involved and that has helped in a big way.

I get DLA as well and am a bit dubious as to what the new benefit (Universal credit) will be like when it comes into force in april.

Have decided to do some voluntary work for my own sanity and to placate the job centre in the process. good luck guys.