This morning I received a letter saying that I had been placed in the Work-Related Activity Group and that I will have to take part in work focussed interviews and may be required to attend a work-focussed health-related assessment.
My first question is is it usual to be put in this group without having had to attend a medical?
I telephoned them to ask for details on how many points I scored, how they arrived at their decision and to check that they asked my GP for a letter as I requested on my form.
After a number of phone calls I eventually got a call back from them and was told I had not been assessed on the points system as there was sufficient information on my form for them to arrive at their decision. He then went on to tell me not to worry as nearly everyone is in the WRAG group. He said it is just the same as Incapacity Benefit and that only terminally ill people are put in the support group!! When I asked if the decision maker had obtained a report from my GP, as I requested, he couldn't tell me.
I told him I wasn't happy with the outcome and am worried what will happen as I am on contribution based ESA, so in 12 months (or 182 days as the booklet states) I will get nothing as my husband is working and it is means tested. I asked for a detailed written report on how they had arrived at the decision and he said he would send me a copy of their report, but it was only about half a page of notes and brief. How can I argue their points, if I don't know how they have arrived at the decision. All he kept saying was there was enough information on my form for them not to have arrived at the decision without having to see me. Now I wish I hadn't been as detailed.
Like so many other's on here I can't see how they have arrived at their conclusion and am prepared to appeal if necessary. I know I have the full support of my GP and if they did contact her, she would have given me a good report.
As far as I can see I now have to wait for them to send me the copy of their decision maker's notes, then ask for a reconsideration. They if I am still unhappy I have to send in an Appeal.
I would be really grateful for any advice.
Happy Christmas to everyone, they have just made certain I won't be having a Happy Christmas
