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Need advice on WRAG after shoulder surgery

Posted , 3 users are following.

pollmadoll64
pollmadoll64

Can anyone out there please give me some idea of the WRAG stage of ESA and how much one gets? I am in a limbo part right now waiting to see if I am to go to WRAG or support. They have agreed to cancel my home assessment and go by the medical evidence I Sent to them. At the moment I am on ESA and PIPS enhanced rate? My fit note runs out next week. I also have Fibromyalgia. I want to start working again but right now have nothing to return to. I am a  very worried single mother trying to get back to normality asap

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • anthony97723
    anthony97723 pollmadoll64

    Posted

    Hi Poll

    WRAG is £102.15pw and Support Group £109.30pw plus if you qualify there are premiums for the Support Group £15.75 enhanced disability and even Severe Disability Premium £61.85. The assessment phase is 13 weeks and if you are placed in one of the groups after the 13th week you will receive backdated benefit (the component part £29pw WRAG £36pw Support Group) to the 13th week.

    The premiums are subject to status.

    Work Related Activity Group Pays Contribution Based ESA for 12 months only it then reverts to Income Based where your circumstances will dictate if you are paid any benefit i.e. if you have a partner what is their income etc.

    You will also be expected to attend work focused interviews and actively seek work. Generally, the DWP are less harsh on those in WRAG than JSA claimants but it is possible to be sanctioned if you don't meet the minimum job seeking requirements as set out by your benefits advisor.

    If you are placed in the WRAG but believe you should be in the Support Group then you must ask for a mandatory reconsideration within 30 days.

    • pollmadoll64
      pollmadoll64 anthony97723

      Posted

      Many thanks for clarifying that.It is so confusing trying to get the right information from the Internet. Also am I correct in thinking that I can still go on WRAG. I want to start work but am.limited due to my weak shoulder after surgery
    • anthony97723
      anthony97723 pollmadoll64

      Posted

      Hi Poll

      My advice to anyone looking to claim ESA is to aim for the Support Group. Not only do you get extra money but you cannot be sanctioned. Being placed in the SG doesn't disbar you from finding work, it just means you can be more picky about those jobs you go for. Also Contribution Based ESA doesn't run out after 12 months in the SG.

      It sounds to me you would qualify for the SG due to your conditions and being in receipt of enhanced PIP. Therefore simply don't state a perference for WRAG just let the assessors come to a decision.

    • hypercat
      hypercat anthony97723

      Posted

      Hi I have just seen on the news that the WRAG payments are going to be reduced to the same as JSA ie £73.10 a week.  I presume new claimants will be on this new figure?  

      I think the Support Group figures are higher than this as my sister is on it and gets around £119.00.  I wonder if this could be because she gets an enhancement of £10 a week?   There might be a qualifying period for this thouugh.  x

  • pollmadoll64
    pollmadoll64

    Posted

    I have just been talking to my work coach who tells me I am on 6months support group status. I am working  unpaid as a volunteer  at our local village shop two hours a week and am hoping to help out being a companion to elderly  people. One thing that happens when you have been stuck at home in a rural village unable to drive is you realise and fully appreciate  how lonely it is during the day. It is a hard place to be ,wanting to work but being restricted physically but not mentally

     

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