Need support with a WCA at job centre

Hi TeeD, 

A WCA is a work capability assessment. This doesn't take place at a jobcentre but at the place of an assessment provider. They conduct a physical and/or mental health assessment and provide a report to the DWP. Based on the conclusions of this report, you will either be told that you fit for work and your ESA stopped, or you will be told that you are NOT fit for work and placed in one of two groups - work-related activity group (WRAG) or support group. Those in WRAG have to have contact with a personal adviser at a jobcentre who will discuss ways of getting ready for a return to work in the future and those in the support group get their ESA without having to attend the jobcentre.
It's not clear from your text at which stage you are at, but if you could clarify it we can advise further. 

Lee

Hello TeeD

The whole benefits procedure can be stressful and confusing. It is very unclear to you and me what is happening with your ESA.  As tomm states you should have received  a letter stating which group of ESA you have been placed in, but as Lee as posted this generally occurs after a medical though in some (rare) cases the DWP can decide without a medical assessment.  To clear matters up, if you do not have a letter from ESA clarifying what ESA group you are in, it maybe worth telephoning ESA and asking them directly if a decision has been made in regards to what ESA group you will are in. 

It is also worth noting that (contributory based) ESA will only last 52 weeks if you are NOT in the support group. 

If you have been placed in the work related activity group you can challenge this decision by requesting a Mandatory Reconsideration. This request must be made within 1 month of the decision letter, however, this time limit can be extended up to a maximum of 13 months (from the date of the decision letter) if the DWP are satisfied that there is a good reason why you lodged a late challenge.

When you challenge a decision ESA are likely to also consider if you are entitled to ESA as well as which group you will be placed in, as such their is  a risk of losing your ESA entitlement. In my experience a reduction of an award is rare, it is just that we cannot guarantee that there will be no risk. 

In addition to be placed in the support group you have also to satisfy at least one descriptor in the Limited Capability for Work test.  I have put a link to this test below which is detailed under Appendix 3:

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/work-capability-assessment

Please post again to keep us up to date. 

Maria