ESA Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) Explained

Updated May 2026

The Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) is the lower tier of ESA for people who have been found to have Limited Capability for Work (LCW) but not Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). If you score 15+ points but do not meet a Support Group descriptor, you are placed in the WRAG.

What Does WRAG Mean?

Being in the WRAG means:

• You are recognised as too unwell to work right now
• But the DWP believes you could work in the future with support
• You must attend periodic work-focused interviews at the job centre
• You may be asked to undertake work-related activity (training, CV writing, etc.)
• Failure to attend without good reason can result in sanctions (benefit reduction)

WRAG Rates

Since April 2017, new WRAG claimants on ESA receive only the personal allowance (£95.55/week in 2026/27) with no additional WRAG component. This is significantly less than the Support Group (£145.90/week). On Universal Credit, WRAG claimants receive the LCW element of approximately £156/month.

Moving from WRAG to Support Group

If you believe you should be in the Support Group instead of WRAG, you can:

• Request a mandatory reconsideration of the WRAG decision, specifically arguing that you meet a Schedule 3 descriptor or that the substantial risk regulation applies
• Report a change of circumstances if your condition has worsened since the assessment
• Wait for your next WCA review and provide stronger evidence for Support Group placement

Substantial Risk Argument

The most common route from WRAG to Support Group is the substantial risk regulation. If requiring you to attend job centre appointments, training, or work-related activity would pose a substantial risk to your mental or physical health, you should be in the Support Group. Get your GP to write a letter specifically stating this risk.

Reasonable Adjustments in WRAG

If you remain in WRAG, you have the right to request reasonable adjustments to your work-related requirements. This might include: telephone appointments instead of in-person, reduced frequency of meetings, or exemption from specific activities that would worsen your condition. Your work coach should accommodate these requests.

Related Guides

• Complete WCA guide
• How to fill in the ESA50 form
• Mandatory reconsideration guide
• How to qualify for the Support Group
• What to say at your WCA assessment