New condition and wrag

savzi
savzi Online Community Member Posts: 27 Contributor
in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Hello there. I'd like some advice please.
My relevant circumstances are that I have been on income based esa for 8 years due to anxiety and depression. I am in wrag but as I am a carer for my adult son I have claimed carers allowance for the past 6 years and haven't been contacted for wra. 
I have recently had it confirmed I have osteoarthritis and degenerative disc changes, so I applied for pip and got 8 points recieve standard.

Today I was shocked to be invited for appointment to meet my work coach at local jobcentre.

Due my illness I don't feel capable of the work related things they may have me perform...do I have to attend?
Should I ring esa and explain I have a new condition?
If I attend will they make me clam a new benefit. ?
The appointment is not till 27th but I am already having kittens over it!..so worried
 


Comments

  • JBS2022
    JBS2022 Scope Member Posts: 2,074 Championing
    edited March 2023
    Unfortunately people in the WRAG are expected to attend the Jobcentre and do work related activities. The DWP is now starting to enforce this. If you are incapable of WRA then you need to be reassessed for the Support Group but be aware your award could be affected. 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    Before you decide to report any changes you need to have a look at the Support Group descriptors to see if any of them apply to you. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/support-group-descriptors



  • savzi
    savzi Online Community Member Posts: 27 Contributor
    Thanks for replies..after looking at those descriptors I think I would have a hard time fully meeting the 1 or 2 that apply.
    if I must attend, regardless of how it may affect my mental health...I'm wondering how others in same situation cope with work related interviews and activities..I'm so scared of having to describe and relay how I feel and how it affects me continually...when I have finally found a way to manage my anxiety without purposely forcing myself into situations that I know make it worse
  • L_Volunteer
    L_Volunteer Community Volunteer Adviser, Scope Member Posts: 7,922 Championing
    This sounds really difficult @savzi, especially as you are not sure how you might cope with this  :( Is there a more manageable way you could describe and relay how you feel and how it affects you continually?

    I think for me this would have to be in writing but I recognise different things work best for different people. Please don't hesitate to let us know if there's anything we can do to support you  :)

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