Hi, I’ve been told by my GP and it was backed up by my MS nurse, that I shouldn’t give up work as this would make me far more depressed. However to reduce my hours right down to under 16 and claim ESA as they think I’m incapable of working much more than that. I’ve been on and off sick at work for the past 6 months, equating to 4 months sick pay thus far. I was advised to go to CAB, which I did today, they said that I’m not entitled to ESA if I reduced my hours, only if I gave up work. The lady I spoke, although very nice, didn’t really know much about anything and kept going out of the room, and it wasn’t until I advised HER that you can work 16 hours and earn less than £99.50 and still claim it. She then came back and said that you have to of left work first. Is this information correct? It seems silly if it is I’m going to be without money for a couple of week, then reapply for a job to top up my earnings. I have a 1 year old to support. If his is the case that’s fine, I just need to know that the information I recd was correct, as I’ll have to remain in work full time to he most part. Any feedback will be appreciated. Trina x
Although the rules allow you to work 16 hours and claim ESA (for 12 months only) it would be almost impossible to make an initial claim whilst still holding down a job.
The idea of the 16 hours was to allow people who had been ill but were getting better to ease back into the world of work. ESA is a complex and difficult benefit, it may be that you could score 15 points whilst still working but I doubt it. It is hard to prove that you are too ill to work while are still doing it.
Would working tax credits be a better solution? Are you a single parent? If so you only need to work 16 and can make a claim to help top up your earnings.
Jane
Hi Trina
I don’t know about ESA, but I know that if you get DLA and work a minimum of 16 hours you can claim working tax credits, as you’ll be eligible for the disability part of it.
Dan
Thanks Jane, I can’t claim working tax credits as not a single parent, but your explanation helped clarify things. Dan, I claim DLA, but was told that I couldn’t claim working tax credits, because my husbands earnings. My husband is self employed and can sometimes go for months without a wage. Would I still be able to claim the disability element then? I only get lower rate care component at the moment, the MS society are helping my really due to changes in condition.