Protect your future benefit entitlement: important information for
ESA claimants
16 May 2012
There are some very important things people with Parkinson's can do to protect their future benefit entitlement.
Cuts to Employment and Support
Allowance (ESA) introduced by the Welfare Reform Act are now a
reality.
If this affects you, it's really important to get advice and
explore your options.
People who have been on the benefit 'contributory' Employment
and Support Allowance for more than 1 year will no longer get
this benefit if they are in the
'Work Related Activity Group' (WRAG). Some people have already
been affected by this change.
Despite the change, there are some very important
things people with Parkinson's can do to protect their future
benefit entitlement.
What should I do?
Claimants affected by the time limit rule should immediately
tell the
Job Centre Plus office dealing with their ESA. They need to
confirm that they wish to remain engaged with the ESA process,
whether or not they are receiving any payments of ESA.
It's also vital that you do not ignore any
letters or requirements from Job Centre Plus or the Department of
Work and Pensions, for example if you are called up for another
fitness to work assessment.
Why should I do this?
When the Welfare Reform Bill was debated in the House of Commons, the government made an important concession for people with degenerative conditions like Parkinson's.
You may be able to receive contributory ESA again in the future
if you are assessed again and are changed to the
'Support Group'.
When the Welfare Reform Bill was debated in the House of
Commons, the Government made an important concession for people
with degenerative conditions like Parkinson's.
People whose Parkinson's has deteriorated while in the Work
Related Activity group may find they could meet the criteria for
the Support Group in the future.
The Support Group, unlike the Work Related Activity Group, has
no time limit.
Payments can restart once you are in this Support Group but only
if you have maintained your engagement with the ESA process.
That's not what I've been told by officials
If anyone based at Job Centre Plus or the local Department of
Work and Pensions office has told you anything that contradicts the
information above, please let us know.
We will challenge the Government about any wrong advice
officials have given to people with Parkinson's.
Learn more
It's really important that people with Parkinson's who are
affected get advice on these changes. Our helpline service can
explore options with you.
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