DWP

[tich57]

Hi I have been signed of work by my GP till middle of September,I was called in for an assessment due to getting employment and support allowance. Further to my assessment I have been called up for a work-focused interview. Am I allowed to work whilst being signed off, am I wasting their time? I'm realy confused than you in advance.

[Philip]

It's more like them to waste your time rather than theirs, sick notes don't really matter anymore because it's the DWP that make that decision and its not going to be easy for you, if your off for so long maybe your employer pays sickness payments and then after so long they may stop and that's when you go to make a claim.

I hope this helps

Philip

[Stephenlangtonriley]

First I'll answer your questions.

1. If you work, then your entitlement to ESA is subject to DWP rules on hours, if they don't actually remove it in full, which is more likely.

2. The 2 points relating to your wasting their time don't come into it, you have to attend a work focused interview and assessment as a condition of ESA. They can however waste yours, you aren't the important one here nor is your health.

The assessment may very well be either ATOS style, then be very wary or with another provider that is providing "assistance" to get back to work.

It all depends what you have been signed off for, I have been signed for over a year so far while I wait for the NHS to get its act together, long term illness and disability isn't always curable but that doesn't stop the DWP from assuming it is and acting accordingly.

If you would like further information then PM me and we can discuss this in more detail and include your rights and the other external providers responsibilities to you.

Steve

[flow4]

It IS confusing; in fact, it makes no sense at all... The rules are crazy!

There are two groups of people receiving ESA - work related activity group and support group. The DWP decides which group you're in, following the assessment.

It sounds like you have been put in the work related activity group, because you have been told to attend a work focused interview (WFI); if you have, you must attend - they are compulsory - but you can defer if you are too ill. Do check though, because if you are in the support group, you don't need to attend, though you may still be 'invited'.

ESA is not sick pay - Statutory Sick Pay still exists and is different; ESA is a benefit that says you are ill and/or disabled but you will probably be able to work in future and you will be either carry out 'activity' to get you fit for work or be 'supported' until you are.

Doctors notes can be over-ruled by the DWP assessor.

If you have been put in the work related activity group and you think you are too ill/disabled, and that you should be in the support group, you have to appeal - which of course is v difficult to do if you're ill!

There's more info here: citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

And here: benefitsandwork.co.uk/emplo...

[alibromo]

Hi tich57. 3 years ago i was in the same possition i hadnt officialy given my job up. I was told i was fit for work so i went to tribunal i won but they put me in work group with special circumstances which basicly means i didnt have to attend work groups. You should talk to CAB for advice. Alison xx

[tich57]

Thank you all for your reply's will let you no what happens when I have been x

[Hidden]

Hi tich57,

you might try ringing the Turn2Us helpline to ask the question. They can't answer on an individual's personal circumstances but they may be able to answer the question about work focused interviews whilst being signed off. Presumably you aren't getting statutory sick pay? Their contact details are:

0808 802 2000 (9 am-8 pm Mondays-Fridays)

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[tich57 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Beverley

[Hidden in reply to tich57]

The benefits system is a nightmare! We have some general knowledge but I think you need to speak to people with more experience in this field. Good luck

Beverley

[tich57]

Thanks😊