ESA advice appreciated

[wolf63]

I have been in receipt of Incapacity Benefit since 2004. I filled out the ESA form a few weeks back and today have received a letter from Job Centre Plus.

It says that I am go get ESA from 4 April (at least they are not stopping it) and that I have been placed in a work-related activity group. Is this a 'good' outcome?

I worked for DWP/DHSS for many years and should be able to understand it - but the whole system has changed so much that I am completely lost.

[wolf63]

As I can speak for both sides of the counter - the system is way too complex and hurts your brain cells.

I am bipolar and due to the illness and medication my brain is running on flat batteries. I am sometimes well but usually I am wandering around in a little world of my own - brain fogged up and memory is crap etc etc Short attention span and

[lcg]

which is why i posted regarding mental health, wolf63. most are put in the work related activity group and at some stage may be expected to do basic activities relating to keeping up employment skills/looking for work etc. just remember to read things before you sign them and find out about as many of your 'rights' as you can - the staff can be underhanded in dealing with esa claimants and i would be happy to advise at any time (from the other side of the fence to corby!) x