ESA Work Programme with Prospects. Complete nightmare! Help...

[Nystagmite]

I did inform JCP of he difficulties I was having a few times with the WP and they weren't happy at all.

 

Even after signing off and going on to ESA, they were still telling me I had to come in and see them.

[Chester6]

I did inform JCP of he difficulties I was having a few times with the WP and they weren't happy at all.

 

Even after signing off and going on to ESA, they were still telling me I had to come in and see them.

did they do anything of use that helped you? My experience is that the JCP abandons you to whomever they send you to and ignore problems

[MrMinaj13]

well i turned up to my appointment. and surprise surprise. the advisor was not even there :-x:-x

 

infact thats exactly what happened at my first appointment a few months ago !

 

so thats £7 on a taxi down the drain. (they dont reimburse taxis) and it was my only option this morning as i was feeling bloody hideous, especially after a sleepless night worrying about the appointment.

WHY dont they just call all his appointments and tell them it will be rearranged?!

 

instead some woman got me to fill in another form to 'update my records' whilst she told me the new rules are that i MUST come in every 2 weeks to see my adviser. and i had signed a documents saying i would do so at the job centre when i first got put in WRAG. did i ??? the job centre adviser told me WRAG was nothing to 'worry about' and i would only have to go in once every month/6weeks.

 

she then also tried to tell me the job centre and the work programme are always at odds with eachother.

 

this woman also helped a little with the form filling asking if i was able to catch a bus. i said that i last tried getting a bus in the summer and was sick on the back seat. she then tried to get me to write that i was able to catch a bus anyway. i said that would be lieing, but she said i would be fine. WTF??

 

seriously this whole thing is just bizarre.

 

it reminded me of being in Phones4u and almost getting hassled into buying a phone just so the seller would get his commission.

[Mr.P]

so thats £7 on a taxi down the drain. (they dont reimburse taxis) and it was my only option this morning as i was feeling bloody hideous, especially after a sleepless night worrying about the appointment.

 

Did you get a receipt for the taxi fare ?

 

If so, send them a copy of the receipt and suggest that they read the following two documents:

 

Work Programme provider guidance, Chapter 1:

Travel Costs, Additional Costs and additional Costs

19. Participants should not be worse off by virtue of attending the Work

programme.

20. Providers are responsible for travel, childcare, replacement caring costs

and additional support costs whilst the participant is on the Work

Programme. (See ITT for further information).

 

Framework Generic Guidance, Chapter 2:

Travel Expenses

149. Participants attending provision are entitled to a refund of the travel costs

they incur. It is your responsibility to pay the participant’s travel costs as

travel expenses are included within the funding received from DWP as

part of the overall contract package.

150. Participants are expected to travel to your provision by the cheapest

method available to them. However, some participants will be unable to

travel by the cheapest method for example, due to a disability or the need

to be accompanied by a support worker.

 

Also send a formal complaint addressed to the Third Party Contracts manager at your local JCP/DWP office pointing out that this WP provider is openly ignoring DWP issued guidance. If a refund for travel expenses is forthcoming, escalate the complaint to your MP.

[MrMinaj13]

with my chronic anxiety im starting to worry.

 

earlier today i got a 'reminder' text out of the blue about an appointment tomorrow morning and to refer to my 'appointment card' for details. in other words the appointment letter..... which i have never received !

to be honest this WRAG is sending me to the brink.

 

the apparent 'appointment' coincides with a telephone appointment with my therapist, which i am not changing at less than 24 hours notice.

i called the work programme provider and told the receptionist that i have recieved no letter and i have a therapy appointment, she took the message and said my advisor would call me back.

 

he has not called me back. i am probably worrying about nothing, but would i possibly be sanctioned for not going.

 

if so, maybe the advisers wages should be 'sanctioned' seeing as he did not turn up to our last appointment and i wasted £7 on a taxi fare.

 

i hate this :evil:

[Nystagmite]

Phone up tomorrow and see if you can rearrange it.

[Belfaster]

Be very careful MrMinaj13, the WPs do this thing all the time, I should know having been a victim myself. Your health is far more important, good luck!

[MrMinaj13]

Today i finally met my new advisor for the first time, and the whole experience was just hideous.

 

First i was sat down the 'main room' which was very warm with people all around me tapping on computers. I was waiting for about 10 minutes, at this point starting to feel dizzy and as if i was going to pass out.

Then my advisor approaches me and hands me a multiple choice thing, which i feel like i have filled out a hundred times, but i do it again anyway.

He then starts rambling on about courses and starts booking me into all these different courses 'interview skills, confidence building' and so on. At this point i am feeling extremely nauseous and cannot absorb anything he is saying.

 

He then takes me off to his work point, which again is not a private room and there are people everywhere. He starts tapping away on his computer saying am i ok with what he is doing, so i said 'no!', he then asks may i ask what is stopping you?

My heart sinks as i know i have to go through explaining my whole anxiety panic attack issue AGAIN, for the zillionth time, a lifetime of explaining myself to random people.

 

I start getting very short on breath, and ask if we can go elsewhere!

We go to a private room, i explain everything, (nausea, vomiting, panic attacks, depression). He seemed understanding, and apologised saying he 'didnt know'.

He then booked me in for another appointment in 2 weeks time, and requested i go to the library next week where there is a talk on 'self employment', this actually interests me and could be beneficial, so i hope i am well enough to go.

 

Now he was nice enough, but i still feel very much like i am going to be pressured into things everytime i go. Its actually making me worse. And i really really really want to be better!!! As this is no life for anybody.

As i have mentioned before on this forum, i have a therapist, i am on medication, i am seeking loans and funding for courses which will give me my own specialist qualification. The work programme is not going to help me in any way shape or form, and it has not helped me thus far, i just feel like another number to them. They have absolutely no understanding of any sort of condition, or why people are on ESA in the first place.

I am at a loss to understand why the government think this is a good idea, and whether its actually just wasting more money.

 

I have set myself a deadline to be in self employment by summer and get off this sodding work programme. But with this added pressure which i do not need, i feel i am up against it.

Going in every 2 weeks seems excessive aswell (considering the job centre said it would be once every 4-6 weeks) and being bullied into go on different courses - which might i add would likely be no help at all.

 

Has anyone had any similar experience and how did you get through it?

[neword]

I don't know how long you have got left to serve on the WP but if it's not a lot left (month or two) remember that once you

come off WP and go onto the next stage then some Allowances that were not available under WP become available to you.

I would certainly have a word with your advisor to clarify if anything that would help you into self employment becomes available

when WP ends.

I knew there was something that gave £66 a week for 13 weeks and £33 for another 13 weeks after but was told that I was not

eligible for it when I was shoved onto the WP. It took my advisor 3 months to tell me it was available to me again after I had moved

off WP onto the next stage.

 

Also they can arrange for you to have upto 8 meetings with a business advisor who works independently of the Job Centers. Mine was

with BES (business enterprise support service) who helped setup a business plan and help with contacts and survival budgets.

 

There was also something called the back to work bonus but I heard it got the chop.. You could ask though.

And then there is a discretionary award that a advisor could give you to help with paying for low level stuff but

again I don't know if this is still available. Of course this all depends on whether or not you are on WP.

 

If you are at all serious of going self employed then milk them for everything you can get so as to give your

business the best chance of being successful. If you can get them to send you onto courses that would be of

benefit to your business then it's worth the effort to do them.

 

There are other things as well you can look into or get

4 week run on for council tax and housing benefit if you are a tenant

Working tax credits.

NHS exemption certificate(card) for perscriptions etc if your income is low

and a few lesser ones as well

 

Take a good look at whats available

 

I went self employed last May(2014) and even though it is a little bit of a struggle now and then

I would rather have that struggle than be sitting across the desk from a advisor any day.

[Mr.P]

I don't know how long you have got left to serve on the WP but if it's not a lot left (month or two) remember that once you come off WP and go onto the next stage then some Allowances that were not available under WP become available to you.

I would certainly have a word with your advisor to clarify if anything that would help you into self employment becomes available

when WP ends.

 

Once such allowance that neword refers to is the New Enterprise Allowance, but this is not available to Work Programme conscripts. If I remember correctly, you got "attached" to a provider early last year - Getting any worthwhile help or support is going to be difficult.

[neword]

Mr.P

 

I was trying for self employment and was in talks to get the New Deal Allowance then got shoved onto the WP.

Three months after WP finished and I was on PWPS my advisor told me that the allowance was available again to me.

 

I just brought this up as a possible means of additional income that may have been available once the OP got off WP.

Did not know how much longer the sentence had left to run so was just offering possibilities that may have been available.

 

I am not sure about this but I heard that it is also possible to get that allowance if you had recently signed off. Like I said

this is something I heard but I cannot in anyway vouch for this information.

 

The NDA was phased out but was replaced by New Enterprise Allowance which you can find information on at

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/new-enterprise-allowance-campaign

 

There are also a couple of links on that page which may be useful

[Mr.P]

I was trying for self employment and was in talks to get the New Deal Allowance then got shoved onto the WP. Three months after WP finished and I was on PWPS my advisor told me that the allowance was available again to me.

 

It is certainly worth having a chat with a JCP advisor to see what help & support is available, but if one is stuck on the Work Programme, the only advice likely to be given will be "see your WP advisor".

 

Might also be worth contacting the local council to see if they have any support schemes available. In my area, there is an enterprise agency funded by the city council that sometimes runs an assortment of courses.

[MrMinaj13]

Mr.P

 

I was trying for self employment and was in talks to get the New Deal Allowance then got shoved onto the WP.

Three months after WP finished and I was on PWPS my advisor told me that the allowance was available again to me.

 

I just brought this up as a possible means of additional income that may have been available once the OP got off WP.

Did not know how much longer the sentence had left to run so was just offering possibilities that may have been available.

 

I am not sure about this but I heard that it is also possible to get that allowance if you had recently signed off. Like I said

this is something I heard but I cannot in anyway vouch for this information.

 

The NDA was phased out but was replaced by New Enterprise Allowance which you can find information on at

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/new-enterprise-allowance-campaign

 

There are also a couple of links on that page which may be useful

 

Well I am on the 'work related activity group' rather than 'work programme' not sure of there's a difference?

I am going to look into what you have said about business grants etc.

But I also want to get qualified in something specialised as well.

I wanted to start a sports massage therapy course and the one I have seen is distance learning with a couple of weekends practical , I also know who the teacher is and she is very understanding to my situation so it would be perfect.

Unfortunately there's no way I can afford it even paying in installments .

The company does not qualify for the 24+ government 'advanced learning loan' either which I was pinning my hopes on. So its back to square one.

The WRAG company can't help with it, they seem to know absolutely nothing other than how to shove me on pointless confidence courses ffs.

 

I have a therapist, who it very helpful and I don't want them interfering with that.

 

I am also confused now over how many times they can ask me in for appointments and what they can ask me to do.

I have seem so much stuff on the internet about only needing to go in 6 times a year!

I still have at least another year in the group. (If I stay on benefits) I can see me being bullied off regardless as I find it difficult to stand my ground. As displayed when into full on panic mode in the middle of the offices

[Lilly_Monroe]

Not sure about the schemes you mention - but I think it is correct in saying, once you start a scheme (if you are still under your WP) you have to finish it, I think the same applies with your job centre adviser (that's what always put me off trying any such programess/training) I suffer from MH issues and I am never sure from one day to the next how I will feel/cope, so could not commit to anything (because they stop your money if you fail to attend).

[Mr.P]

Well I am on the 'work related activity group' rather than 'work programme' not sure of there's a difference?

I am going to look into what you have said about business grants etc.

 

(quick look at previous posts): Back in February, you said you were being referred to Prospects for a 'work programme'. If you have been claiming ESA(WRAG), then you are most likely on the Work Programme, so things like the NEA will be unavailable to you. The JCP advisers will suggest you talk to the "adviser" at Prospects and that they will provide all the support and funding you need (not that will happen).

 

Whilst attending any/all appointments at this provider, you have the right to a private room for all meetings, so it may be worth while telephoning the receptionist a few days in advance to request (demand) a room. If this "adviser" steers you towards a 'job point' to do a job search or apply for vacancies, feel free to say "No". As an ESA claimant, you can not be mandated (or instructed) to look for or apply for jobs.

[MrMinaj13]

(quick look at previous posts): Back in February, you said you were being referred to Prospects for a 'work programme'. If you have been claiming ESA(WRAG), then you are most likely on the Work Programme, so things like the NEA will be unavailable to you. The JCP advisers will suggest you talk to the "adviser" at Prospects and that they will provide all the support and funding you need (not that will happen).

 

Whilst attending any/all appointments at this provider, you have the right to a private room for all meetings, so it may be worth while telephoning the receptionist a few days in advance to request (demand) a room. If this "adviser" steers you towards a 'job point' to do a job search or apply for vacancies, feel free to say "No". As an ESA claimant, you can not be mandated (or instructed) to look for or apply for jobs.

 

yes i was referred to the WRAG a while ago, but it was initially only two meetings, and i was told not to appeal as it 'would be fine' and i would only have to go in once every 6 weeks or so. and it was ok, i emailed the adviser i had at the time every few weeks with updates and what my plans were, she was also very nice. its only now they have changed everything round, new advisor 'new rules' as they put it.

 

i am getting in a right panic about it.

now everytime i picture myself in that building, i start getting a cold sweat and feeling dizzy its ridiculous but its just how i am unfortunately.

its driving me loopy.

i cant see how i am going to be able to go back there so often. what are they going to do to help me?

[Mr.P]

Do you have a friend that can accompany you to the next "meeting" ?

 

You are permitted to have a companion to provide help & support (and also act as a witness). This, along with a private room may help to alleviate any anxiety you may have.

[mazoo]

Sound like you perhaps should be in the Support Group not the WRAG. Have you challenged the decision you in the WRAG?

[MrMinaj13]

Sound like you perhaps should be in the Support Group not the WRAG. Have you challenged the decision you in the WRAG?

 

No I haven't challenged it anywhere.

It wasn't so bad at first like I said.

But now I have been on it a few months they seem to have changed things and it feels like a pressure on me which I really don't need.

I can't see what I can do now.

[mazoo]

Hi,

 

If your condition has worsened you can ask for a supersession or if it is less than 13 months since the original ESA decision you may well still be able to get a mandatory reconsideration.

 

Either way I think it's important you challenge the decision to place you in the WRAG.

[MrMinaj13]

Hi,

 

If your condition has worsened you can ask for a supersession or if it is less than 13 months since the original ESA decision you may well still be able to get a mandatory reconsideration.

 

Either way I think it's important you challenge the decision to place you in the WRAG.

 

may i ask how i do this?

i would not say the condition had worsened, its still the same. its just when i first questioned appealing they said the WRAG group was not anything to worry about and i would be fine. i didnt want the added stress so just went along with it.

[antone]

may i ask how i do this?

i would not say the condition had worsened, its still the same. its just when i first questioned appealing they said the WRAG group was not anything to worry about and i would be fine. i didnt want the added stress so just went along with it.

 

When were you notified of the decision to place you in the WRAG? Basically, was it less than 13 months ago?

[MrMinaj13]

When were you notified of the decision to place you in the WRAG? Basically, was it less than 13 months ago?

 

I believe it was February last year

[antone]

I see. Well, Mazoo has mentioned two options. The first is called "supercession". If you ask for this, you would be stating that, while the decision to place you in the WRAG was correct at the time it was made, your circumstances have changed since then. You are therefore asking them to make a new decision to replace ("supersede") the old one, taking your new circumstances into account. This is probably not the appropriate option if your circumstances have not changed.

 

The other option is a "mandatory reconsideration", with a possible view to an appeal to the independent tribunal if the reconsideration is not successful. When you ask for a recon/appeal, you are stating that the original decision to place you in the WRAG was wrong at the time it was made, and that it should be set aside and replaced with a different decision that better reflects your situation. Because you are arguing that the decision was wrong in the first place, it doesn't matter that your circumstances have not changed.

 

Now, normally there is a time limit of 30 days from the date of the original decision for the submission of a request for reconsideration/appeal. However, this can be extended to a maximum of 13 months if you can show that you had good reason for not making the request sooner. In an earlier post you said this:

 

its just when i first questioned appealing they said the WRAG group was not anything to worry about and i would be fine. i didnt want the added stress so just went along with it.

 

That might possibly be grounds to submit a late request for reconsideration/appeal, especially if it was a member of DWP staff who told you this. DWP staff should not advise you not to appeal - it is entirely your decision and any information they give you should be impartial and limited only to informing you of the procedures for appealing should you wish to do so. Being given incorrect advice by DWP staff can sometimes be accepted as a valid reason for a late appeal/reconsideration request.

[Nystagmite]

You would only be able to appeal if you met one of the criteria for the support group and not because you don't like the WRAG, Have you made sure you meet at least one of the criteria?