mandatory decision

Mags54
Mags54 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
edited July 2019 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Just got a letter from dwp that they are keeping me in the work related group. Does that mean i will still be able to get my esa. Or will i be made to work i am 65 and due my pension in march 2020.

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    Hi,

    It means you'll stay on ESA in the work related activity group (WRAG) you will be asked to attend work focused interviews and take steps to prepare for work in the future but you won't be made to look for work.

    Were in previously in this group before the decision was made?
  • Mags54
    Mags54 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
    Yes I was
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    I just realised that your thread title states mandatory decision, were you originally found fit for work and requested the Mandatory Reconsideration and the decision changed?

    If so, did you claim Universal Credit while you waited for the  decision or not?
  • Mags54
    Mags54 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
    No I was on support group was changed to wrag group and was sent to an interview and the fellow told me to ask for mandatory decision but they told me they have not changed the decision and I have to stay on wrag group. But I am due to go on pensio in march 2020
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,458 Championing
    If you still disagree with the decision then your next step is to request the Tribunal and you have 1 month from the date of the MR decision to request this.

    If you're claiming Contributions based ESA then the WRAG is only paid for 1 year, unless you're placed into the Support Group.

    Tribunal waiting times are huge across most of the country and some are waiting as long as 1 year for a hearing date. I'd advise you to speak to an advice agency near you for help.

    Your pension qualifying date doesn't make any difference to which group you're in.
  • Mags54
    Mags54 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
    Thank you. 
  • Adrian_Scope
    Adrian_Scope Posts: 11,892 Online Community Programme Lead
    Hi @Mags54 and welcome to the community. Are you planning to appeal the decision?
  • Mags54
    Mags54 Online Community Member Posts: 5 Listener
    I don't think so as I have been to appeals before and they are nerve wrecking. They make you feel that you are lying about your health. 

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