Does ESA have a fit for work group?

Rumbler303

Hello there,

I know UC has one but does ESA? If you don’t get into either Support Group or WRAG I presume you won’t get ESA?

Thanks.

Kimi87

That's correct, if the assessment outcome was fit for work. No ESA would be awarded.

Rumbler303

Thank you.

Rumbler303

Also with regards to working with ESA you can work in either WRAG or Support Group? Just need to be mindful of the hours worked and the amount you get for it?

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Rumbler303, You can usually work while claiming ESA as long as it falls under the guidelines. It's called 'permitted work' and there's some information about it here in case you'd like to read about it:

Permitted work factsheet - GOV.UK

Rumbler303

Thank you.

Littlepickanicky65

Hi I have just received a letter from DWP informing me I’m fit for work although I’m not & im signed off until 20/04/25 it also says my doctor has been informed to not issue anymore sick notes im upset & confused

Rumbler303

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1004512#Comment_1004512

If you had a work capability assessment, then it comes down to fitting into these descriptors:
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/universal-credit-uc/uc-faq/limited-capability-for-work-related-activity

If you didn't tell the assessor something that fits into the categories, then you won't be eligible for the higher amount.

You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration though, but the chances of that being overturned are not high:

https://www.gov.uk/mandatory-reconsideration

The assessment takes into account if you're completely unfit for work, not just in your current job — meaning that it looks as if you are capable of any form of work that you're qualified for.

Essentially, just because you have a fit note, doesn't mean you'll get the higher amount, DWP just looks at as you're incapable in your current job.

Kimi87

Unfortunately the DWP Work Capability Assessment result overrules Fit Notes from your GP when it comes to claiming benefits.

You can appeal the decision after first asking for them to look at the decision again (Mandatory Reconsideration).

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/benefits-introduction/problems-with-benefits-and-tax-credits/challenging-benefit-decisions/challenging-a-decision-by-the-dwp-or-hmrc/appealing-against-a-benefit-decision/

Local welfare rights can support you with the process.

https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

Littlepickanicky65

I have ongoing worsening Arthritis suddenly started March 23 I have had a torrid time with pain & fatigue starting January 25 I’m currently receiving Physiotherapy & dealing with a rotator cuff injury my work have asked me to attend a welfare meeting in June . I have received ESA £90 pw since November & informed yesterday that it was stopped on 12th March I’m out of my depth & never claimed anything before I tried Pip & I made an appeal but I was deemed not credible the whole process is excruciating when you are truthful I feel lost I & an easy target .

Rumbler303

I'm very sorry to hear about your ailments. The benefits system is not an easy process to get on.

My advice would be to contact Welfare Rights like Kimmy said that is local to you, they will be able to help you.

I'd do a Mandatory Reconsideration first, but at the same time, make sure to go to your Doctor to ask for another fit note that has "your condition has worsened on it," give that to your work coach again and they will restart the assessment process for you whilst you have any Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeal (bearing in mind that the Appeal is the Tribunal).

PIP is also points based:

https://assets.ctfassets.net/vms0u05139aw/pip_descriptors.pdf/93820be60dcc6420191292ed56e2c95f/pip_descriptors.pdf

You need to match your situation to that, and explain how you meet the criteria. As a general rule, the DWP looks at: safely, timely, repeatedly and acceptability. You need to word your answers around those 4 things and say it affects you in those ways to meet the points.

Take a look at the physical LCWRA descriptors and see ones you meet, you could also meet cognitive difficulties if you're particularly stressed out at the moment. You could get another fit note and ask your Doctor to mention the reason, and give it to your work coach.

https://www.youtube.com/%40mikeboltonbenefitstraining4728

This guy here is brilliant for PIP, you should check it out.

I hope I've helped.

Take care.

Rumbler303

Make sure to ask your Doctor for more medical evidence when you restart the health journey also, the assessors and the DWP do like to see extra evidence in support of your claim.

Littlepickanicky65

Thank you for the advice I won’t be appealing the Pip it was painful for me my Husband tried to prompt me in my thought process & he was quickly & rudely told not to when I tried to remember how many days in 3 particular months over the last 2 years of my flares even though I had said I suffered with brain fog but the judge got angry with me & pressured me after 2 hrs of this I was exhausted .

Rumbler303

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1004564#Comment_1004564

I’m sorry to hear about that. But I hope that you have better luck with your WCA. I am crossing my fingers for you.

Littlepickanicky65

Sadly I thought being honest was the only way forward & despite the outcome for me I’m steadfast in my beliefs .
Many thanks for taking the time to respond .