ESA can I claim?

Finance and benefits
1

Hi all

I hope you are as well as can be. I have a question that I hope someone can help with.

I have worked in the same job for nearly 20 years. About 7 years ago I dropped from being full time to part time - I carried on as full time for 3 year’s after diagnosis but could not keep up the pace (fatigue, pain etc - primary school teaching assistant). Since January I have dropped a day so have gone from 16.25 hrs a week to 13.5 hours. Can I claim ESA? I do not earn over the cap of £167 a week before/after stoppages.

I have read that you can claim whilst working but then I’ve read you will be appointed a job centre/search advisor, as well as reading you need a drs note to clarify not working. It’s so confusing. My husband works full time and we have savings over £6,000.

Thank you xxx

2

I certainly would think so! Might be worth joining the Benefits and work website, lots of info there, also very very useful forums. Not sure how much it is now £20 last time I used it, worth every penny! They helped so much when the DWP decided I was dead!:scream:whole other story!

3

You can claim PIP though, getting mixed up there but same applies. Good luck with the forms.

4

Hi Gordon

Thank you for that. I already claim pip and was just wondering about the ESA whilst still working but with less hours.

Benefits and Work are amazing. I am a member and have their guide but the esa has confused me quite a bit! X

5

I do claim ESA as well,but many years since I finished work! Put exactly the same question on B&W forum, probably the best bet. You seem to know about the cap on earnings, surely you don’t need a job centre advisor if you have a job…but that is just me😀

6

Hello @dottydoo
I’m now on Employment Support Allowance: I made a claim after I exhausted my 1 year of Statutory Sickness Pay, from my employer, and they then put me on nil remuneration.
I still need to provide FitNote (GP sickness certificate), not for employer but instead send it to DWP, until they say stop; in effect it’s like the DWP now paying my SSP.
You can obtain the SSP1 form from your employer, good luck.
JP

7

Hi JP

Thank you so much for your reply. My confusion is that I am still employed, not off sick and am working just over 13 hours a week so won’t need/don’t get a sick note. At the moment, I am okay doing this but as my income and hours have fallen within the criteria for claiming, I’m not sure I can. It’s such a minefield!

Dawn x

8

Hi Dawn,
I think ESA is like a safety net, for when you fall on hard times and are out of work tbh.
When I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to work, I’ve never had a thought to claim anything before.
I had my PIP assessment this afternoon, so just have to wait to see what comes of it; if my health wasn’t on a downward spiral atm, I’d much prefer to get back into work tbf.
Best regards,
JP