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Last updated:
18/10/2018

What are the groups of ESA?

  1. What is ESA?
  2. How can I claim?
  3. What is the Work Capability Assessment?
  4. What are the groups of ESA?
  5. What will happen if I don’t go to an interview?
  6. What work am I permitted to do on ESA?
  7. Can I appeal if I think the decision about ESA is wrong?
  8. Next steps

There are three decisions the SSA can make about your ESA claim.

They could decide:

  • To give you ESA and put you into the work-related activity group (WRAG),
  • To give you ESA and put you into the support group, or
  • You are fit for work and should not get ESA.

Work-related activity group (WRAG)

  • You will have to go to at least one work-focused interview.
  • You may be able to take part in the Steps 2 Success programme, which provides you with support to return to employment.

Find out more about the Steps 2 Success Programme.

  • You will get less money than if you are in the support group.
  • You can only get contribution-based ESA for one year.

Support Group

  • You do not have to go to interviews.
  • If you get contribution-based ESA, you can get it as long as you meet the criteria for the support group.
  • You will get an additional amount of money on top of the basic ESA rate from the 14th week of your claim. If it takes the SSA longer than this to decide which group to put you in, they will backdate the money.

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Within this subject

  1. What is ESA?
  2. How can I claim?
  3. What is the Work Capability Assessment?
  4. What are the groups of ESA?
  5. What will happen if I don’t go to an interview?
  6. What work am I permitted to do on ESA?
  7. Can I appeal if I think the decision about ESA is wrong?
  8. Next steps
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