ESA new claim

A question about : ESA new claim

I have only just started claiming esa. Anyways it seems my local JCP has already tried to get too involved. I have claimed since 4th February. Recently attended a voluntary group seminar on Monday 16th. On this only four people attended. It was just a quick meeting on how JCP could help you and sort of support you'd like. Then seen my previous adviser, whilst there after. Who proceeded to book me in for another appointment this Thursday. I went on this benefit from JSA as was getting stressed out and wanted a break from there really. Anyways I don't mind going every so often but how often are they going to expect me to go now Im on esa. Incidentally I was told Thursdays meeting is voluntary as well. Although they want a reason for not attending out of curiosity. If I didn't attend this adviser would ring me and rearrange. Please help as this is starting to stress me out how much they want to see me. May as well have carried on with JSA as doesn't seem to be much difference in attendance at job centre which is what I would like cut down on.

Best answers:

• once your placed in a group for your ESA either the
  WRAG ( work related activity group ) you will be called for appointments by the job centre i think its 6 appointments a year im sure someone will confirm that for you theese appointments you have to attend though
  SG (SUPPORT GROUP ) if your placed in the SG then these appointments will be voluntary only that's if your ever asked to attend any most people i know in the SG have never been asked to attend but ther is always a chance but it should be voluntary
• Work focussed interviews _can_ be required before assessment of condition for ESA.
  However - it sounds like somebodies been confused, and you are being processed in some manner for JSA, not ESA requirements.
  It is likely if you've been on JSA for a while that this was setup prior to your closing your JSA claim, and not cancelled in error, and everyone was assuming you were on JSA.
  I do not believe there is anything preventing them asking anyone to attend anything voluntarily - even people off the street not claiming any benefit.
  If you wish, give as a reason 'the medical reasons that lead me to claim ESA'.
• Thank you never thought of that. Yes can say the reason 'the medical reasons that lead me to claim ESA' because you don't have to disclose that information. It would be confidential.
• The group seminar was for people on ESA because they said it was when I was there. All the appointment on Thursday is about is what support they can offer me. Its voluntary for me to attend and not one of my work focused interviews that you have every so often. They write to you with those so its not a requirement of my claim to go on Thursday.
• I am unable to attend my voluntary appointment with you on Thursday 26th February at 13:30pm because of confidential and personal reasons. I look forward to seeing you soon for one of my upcoming work focused interviews.
  I have just sent that to the JCP adviser. Many Thanks for all your help.
• From your OP I get the impression that your reason for claiming ESA is stress related. If that is the case then I would be inclined to tell the advisor that their constant requests for you to attend the JC are making it worse. Although your medical condition won't be made known to a 3rd party, the advisor will almost certainly be able to see your ESA history.
• Thanks will bare your advice in mind in future if need be. My ESA history at the moment would be claimed since 4th February. Attended voluntary group seminar on 16th February. Non attendance on a voluntary information interview or however they word it. Adequate reason given. The one guy at the Job centre last time said they cant mandate anything because your telling us your not work ready. I am yet to be assessed for a WCA and don't see anything to worry about. Best to worry about it when and/or if it happens rather than stressing before hand.
• If a person is found 'fit for work', can they disclose their health conditions when claiming JSA and to disability advisor? So that they are offered a suitable job.
  Does this also affect the JSA agreement and partner has small child under 5?
  Thanks
• When you go for your first "real" interview at JC you would be very sensible to describe to them your health conditions & then your Claimant commitment can be tailored to your needs. Reduction in distance to travel for job, number of hrs, type of work etc etc. YOU can say what you feel is suitable. Otherwise if you do not satisfy the CC you could be sanctioned if your health issues do in fact restrict your job search. If you were found "fit to work" by a HCP at a Atos (or similar) WCA appt then that "trumps" sick notes from GP. If you don't agree with decision of "fit to work" then you would have to ask for Mandatory reconsideration & if still no joy then appeal. But time limits apply.
• I am wondering how can HCP overrule a specialist. There are many ESA claimants who commit suicide after declared 'fit for work' or die because of health condition.
• I have received a email this morning off my ESA adviser saying she has rearranged my appointment for sometime on Monday 16th March. I will attend this appointment as long as nothing else comes up to clash with it. In the meantime I may hear off the DWP to have my first work focused Interview. Which will more than likely be with the same adviser because she has put a note on my file to see me regularly. I am still awaiting WCA which I have been told can be a long wait.
• HCP that do not fully understand a health condition & it's after affects from doing certain "tasks" should not be allowed to over-ride a consultant or a gp who deems you not fit for work. If the consequence of being found fit for work or able to do certain tasks means your health conditions worsens then you should be found not fit for work. Too many alleged hcp's think that if you can shall we say "move a box" that you are fit for work. Descriptor tasks are completed only if done repeatedly, safely, reliably - but most hcp's assume if you can do it (or something similar) once then you can do it all the bloody time. Total bull!