Universal Credit..anyone? know anything about it? seems that is what I have to go on.

ESA is not being phased out! They are considering downsizing the WRAG payment to being the same as JSA
Presumably it would have to be passed by parliament anyway

If you are biker gran in spirit, that's good enough for us.

Good to know, Galen. I read in the paper today that sick and disabled benefits could be cut by £30 a week. People on ESA deemed likely to be able to return to work in the future ( which means just about everyone on ESA) will receive £73.10, the same as Jobseeker's Allowance, instead of the £102.15 they get at present.
Doesn't matter what it's called; it's the amount that matters to most people on it.

That's the WRAG lot. The support group ones ( who don't have to sign on at JCs or are do work related activities) aren't affected and get more money as well

Hi al.. well I've been, got the t shirt got the handbook!

saw a chap he was pleasant enough just doing his job singing off the hymn sheet so to speak, wasn't interested as to what had gone on in the past 12 months, as far as he was concerned I was just there to make a new claim. Spent about 40/45 mins with him.

He asked how my computer skills were? I said ok! he says, right well we will send you on this course! ok ? (well seeing as though at the bottom of the page it read *Attendance to this appointments mandatory failure to attend could effect your benefit*) I didn't have much choice, so I have to go on "The Switch" for 2 full days then half days over a 6 weeks period.

I had to sign this that and they other and must obey their rules if I don't I could be sanctioned (for very minimal excuses) I have got my little book which I have to record everything down, jobs I have applied for starting now

Next appointment next Friday where I will see my support worker she looked ok .

So there you are I am now officially on JS (could have at least given me a badge ) maybe that is not a bad idea! as if potential employers are walking round town and happen to glance my way !!

ESA ? I did mention that I had been advised to got to he Docs and apply for ESA he said well you can still do that if you feel the need to whilst you are on JS.

thanks for all your support time

So the disabled on work related are going to be given the same amount of money as the able bodied, even though living costs are greater for them, is that right?

What is the difference between WRAG and ESA? Apart from the money, of course.
And what's the difference between being in the WRAG group and ordinary JSA group?

Well done, biker. On a course already?
Which set of figures does that put you in?
You used to have to be on JSA for six months before they put you on a course.

Hi durhamjen I don't know about figures? enlighten me lol. [smile

Courses! I don't really know, he just said I will put you on this " Digital Upskill Course"

Think it is to learn how to send emails, write to employers,write a CV etc.

I did say I was ok with computer, but he just sort of put me on it and I wasn't sure if to say that I don't really need it, but being a "newbie" I was bothered what I should and shouldn't say!

It's probably so that no one can complain they weren't helped to compose cvs and taught how to send emails biker - a tick-box exercise!

Still, at least you'll meet others in the same boat and may pick up a few tips...

Yes Ana I did think ,well at least it will be a bit of socialising.
I did ask at the Jobcentre during my interview about "Voluntary Work" but he wasn't very helpful.

It was advertised in the local paper, for "Volunteers to help with families/people at the Coroners court, to help and support them" I feel like I could be of some help and would have liked a chance, but the chap at the JB centre just said "well if you are doing volunteer work then you are not available for work, so I didn't pursue it as we only ahd a n allotted time so don't think he had time for "extra questions" .

It's a Catch 22 situation, isn't it?

Volunteering would give you some experience and probably give you a better chance with prospective employers, but you wouldn't technically be 'available for work' depending on the hours you did...mad!

Dj I explained above the difference between WRAG and support group. Basically apart from the money you don't have to to courses and apply for jobs etc. they can't sanction you!
On WRAGS YOU HAVE TO GO ON COURSES OR YOU GET SANCTIONED BUT YOU DONT HAVE TO LOOK FOR JOBS.

Sorry, Galen, what I meant was how do people qualify for one group and not the other. No need to shout at me.

Although I am deaf, so I am used to being shouted at.

Your advert sounds as if it is for McKenzie friends bikergran. However, I think he was telling you not to try to do this at this stage.

I should go on your course and enjoy it; you never know what will come from it and you are ticking some of their boxes.

People who are not available for work get sanctioned, biker, so he was giving you good advice. Go on the course.

She is doing...

* Dj* did nt mean to shout. I'd left caps lock on and am feeling lazy!
Right you get into the support group by being in one of the qualifying groups. Eg can't walk 50metres. Incontinent every day. Uusing behaviour that is violent or threatening and would be unacceptable in the work place on a daily basis.
There are a few others but I haven't my schedule with me.
There is also regulation 35 which you'd have to look up but basically means there would be substantial risk of deterioration in your physical or mental health if you were found capable of work related activities.

Actually unlike mobility allowance its mobilise rather than walk. Ie. If you could theoretically use a manual wheelchair you wouldn't qualify as you could 'mobilise'

never heard of WRAG..but will google it.

Work related activity group. The lower rate of ESA

That's what I thought, Galen. Not like you to shout on here.

So would there be any benefit to being in WRAG as opposed to just on JSA for biker?

Depends on whether they drop the rate or not. Also although you still have to go on courses you don't have to look for a job.

Would biker qualify for WRAG anyway?

Don't know. I'm not her doctor.