ESA Proposed 12 month maximum WRAG - counting from when?

[Error_Prone]

I am currently getting contribution based ESA.

 

I was recently moved from the Support Group to the Work Related Activity Group (although I'm currently seeking a reconsideration of this decision).

 

Today I received the standard letter warning of the proposed limit of one year maximum for those in the WRAG. Despite reading the letter several times I'm still not clear when this one year period begins in my case.

 

Is it a year from the date I was moved to the WRAG?

 

or

 

Is it a year from when I started getting ESA?

 

If it is the latter then I assume my ESA will stop in the spring of 2012 unless my reconsideration is accepted?

 

If anybody can clarify I would be most grateful.

 

Thanks

[Nystagmite]

I don't think it's become law yet.

[honeybee13]

Hello there. I found this on the directgov website, hope it contains the right details.

 

My best, HB

 

When would this change take effect?

 

The earliest this change can become law is April 2012.

 

How the 12 month period would be counted

 

Should the change in the law go ahead, the 12 months would start from the first day you were paid contribution-based ESA. Any time you have spent in the Support Group would be excluded, as would any gaps in your claim.

 

If you moved from Incapacity Benefit or Severe Disablement Allowance, the 12 months would start from the date your old benefit was changed to contribution-based ESA and you were placed in the Work Related Activity Group. Again, time spent in the Support Group would be excluded.

 

If you have already been receiving contribution-based ESA for 12 months and you are in the Work Related Activity Group, you would immediately lose entitlement.

[Error_Prone]

I don't think it's become law yet.

 

Which is why I said "warning of the PROPOSED limit"!

[Error_Prone]

How the 12 month period would be counted

 

Should the change in the law go ahead, the 12 months would start from the first day you were paid contribution-based ESA. Any time you have spent in the Support Group would be excluded, as would any gaps in your claim.

 

 

Thanks, that is very helpful.

[count orlok]

What exactly are the sick and disabled expected to live on when their benefit "runs out", I can't honestly see employers giving jobs to them when there are millions of able bodied people out there.

 

Or perhaps I don't understand the point?

[ErikaPNP]

What exactly are the sick and disabled expected to live on when their benefit "runs out", I can't honestly see employers giving jobs to them when there are millions of able bodied people out there.

 

Or perhaps I don't understand the point?

 

Contributory based ESA is what is being limited; income related ESA will still be available to those who do not have other income or whose income is below the threshold.

[Nystagmite]

What exactly are the sick and disabled expected to live on when their benefit "runs out", I can't honestly see employers giving jobs to them when there are millions of able bodied people out there.

 

Or perhaps I don't understand the point?

 

Their partner is expected to look after them. Moral - don't ever get sick and certainly don't go into a relationship where the other one works...

[count orlok]

I see.

[Nystagmite]

The government want it to be like JSA © - you can only receive this for 6 months.

[count orlok]

Can hardly be classed as a support allowance if they cut you off after a short time. I've been moved to ESA from IB and they make a big deal about how you will be suported to overcome your disabilities and helped to find work.

[Dilizjo]

Exactly Count Orlock, I have been in a WRAG for 6 months now. If anyone can find me an employer that is willing to take someone on that has constant pain, drops things through weak grip, needs to sleep in an afternoon due to chronic fatigue, frequent days off due to not being able to get up out of bed and move about for hours after and who would have to turn up to work in their pyjamas as their pain is too severe to complete the simplest task of dressing please let me know I would go out to work in a flash, there is no support out there from this system at all for those who suffer diseases that are not curable, but can be managed to a certain extent.

[sj01]

Hi,

I now get contibution based ESA, DLA and Industrial injuries benefit.

I have a child at home who is working.

I have no other income.

If this new time limit comes into force then what will happen to me mext April, will they put me onto income based ESA?

They can't assume that we are now fit for work.

Does any one know if employers will take on people who are taking strong medication, would we be covered by insurance?

Thanks.

[norby500]

Can anybody tell me the difference in the both? I just won my tribunal and confused by it all

[Nystagmite]

If this new time limit comes into force then what will happen to me mext April, will they put me onto income based ESA?

 

if you meet the criteria, yes.

[poollie1]

Norby 500, The difference between contribution based and income based esa is, income based is means tested, ie any income you or your partner have coming in, savings etc, contribution based is not. Can I ask what group you have been placed in after your successful tribunal.If you have been placed in the work related group you will have to partake in work related activities at job centre plus, also you will only be enntitled to contribution esa for 12months from when the original decsion was made if the new legislation gets passed in parliment and this will come into force from April of 2012, its not been passed yet, if you meet the criteria after this date you will be able to claim income based, think I got that right?. If you have been placed in the support group nothing will change, except maybe a reassessment to see if you are still entitled to esa. I think I got all that right? am sure someone will correct me if I"m wrong.