benefits system - can ANYONE ANYWHERE understand it?????

pesky33

Oh my word, I am getting so frustrated, i had to just find out if anyone else does as well!!!

I've been signed off sick for 28 weeks. my employer won't pay me any ssp any more. i want to work, but not for them because it's too stressful

because my doctor told me not to resign, i can't get jsa, even though i'm looking for a job. i only want to work a couple of days due to my condition

i've applied for ESA, but i can't work at all if i'm getting that, even though i want to work. and i can't get JSA even though i'm looking for a job

i've also been told not to resign, even though i don't want to ever go back

my gp has given me a sick note, but says if i find a job i want to do i can get signed as fit to work

all i want is to work for 15 hours a week, and earn a bit of money, whilst preserving my sanity so i don't have another nervous breakdown. i don't want ANYTHING i'm not entitled to, but i don't want to not get what i AM entitled to

is anyone else as confused by all this as me??

not necessarily looking for advice, or sympathy - 'yes it makes no sense' or 'same here' is fine

dmg24

It is up to you if you resign, not your doctor.

Do you live alone and/ or have children?

Oldernotwiser

I don't think that your doctor's the best person to advise you on employment law. It seems to be his/her advice that's put you in this situation and unless s/he's explained the reasons for this I think that you'd be much better ignoring it and seeking advice elsewhere.

pesky33

oldernotwiser - he says if i resign i'm making myself voluntarily unemployed and it will affect my benefits in the future

dmg24 - my husband gets DLA and SDA, we have no children

Oldernotwiser

Ask for advice from JCP, they'll be the people involved in paying JSA or ESA. As you're receiving no money at all at present I can't see how you would be worst off if you're sanctioned for leaving a job voluntarily and this may not happen anyway as you've been ill. The longer you leave this the longer you'll be without any money.

pesky33

what's JCP? is that the job centre?

Oldernotwiser

Yes, they're now called Jobcentre Plus.

hanny83_2

As far as I am aware, you can do permitted work on ESA although you can only work upto 16 hrs a week and earn under £92 a week. There are different types of permitted work though.

pesky33

yes, apparently i can't do any permitted work until i've had an assessment, and the leeds assessment centre will contact me within 12 weeks, although there is a backlog and it could be 6 months.

it's so confusing!

hanny83_2

Ohhhhh yes of course, sorry!

pesky33

oh don't apologise! there are loads of things i don't know about it, so i appreciate anything at all that people can help with!
i love your cupcake by the way