ESA to WRAG

Lindyjayne · June 2017

I've been moved to WRAG from ESA, I've put in for MR, could someone please advise me of any changes in my benefit, rent and Council tax that will be made during the MR stage and whilst waiting for an appeal, tia Lindy.

Nystagmite · June 2017

Your benefits will stay the same whilst doing an MR.

BenefitsTrainingCo · June 2017

Hello Lindyjane - I'm assuming what you mean by this is that you have requested a MR of the decision to place you in the WRAG and that you think you should have been placed in the Support Group? Nystagmite is correct that your ESA and other benefits should stay the same while you are going through the MR process, but you need to be aware that the chances of a revised decision at MR stage are notoriously small, so you may find yourself preparing for an eventual appeal (at which your chances of success are much higher!). It may be a good idea to start preparing for an appeal by a very thorough examination of how you are going to get to the Support Group, and if / how you can provide evidence to support your case. You need to read up on the extra descriptors that trigger access to the Support Group, or if you come within any of the exceptional circumstances categories which also permit access to the Support Group. You can find excellent resources about accessing the Support Group on the Disability Rights UK website, and also on www.benefitsandwork.co.uk. Good luck with your MR!
Jayne

Candyfloss · October 2017

What are the exceptional circumstances to put you in the Support Group

BenefitsTrainingCo · October 2017

Hi Candyfloss,

You are treated as having limited capability for work-related activity (put in the support group) without satisfying the descriptors if you have a terminal illness - your death can reasonably be expected within six months, or you are receiving or recovering from chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer, or (and this is the main criteria for most people) there would be a substantial risk to the mental or physical health of yourself or someone else if you weren't put in the support group, or if you are pregnant and there would be a serious risk of damage to your health or to your baby's health.
The above are the exceptional circumstances, otherwise you need to satisfy one or more of the support group descriptors, which can be found here:

https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors

Lee

ESA to WRAG

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