ESA question

babyhead

Hello

I have put in a claim for ESA. I was told over the phone that as my OH still works it is unlikely I would get any income based ESA but I could claim ESA contribution based for 6 months.

So I did. I have now been sent a work focused interview at my local job centre. I don't get what this is for as I already work part time working 13 hours a week from home. I don't earn much and I really can't increase my hours due to my health. What is the purpose of this interview? From the info they have sent me it is so they can help me look for a job?

Does this mean that ESA have placed me in the work group? Do I have to appeal then? Is it even worth appealing? (as I can only claim contribution based anyway)

I'm so confused - and no one i have rung today knows either? my job centre is going to ring me back about it next week as no one is in till then who can help.

Any suggestions??? Thanks in advance.

NASA_2

Is it ESA or JSA?

ESA is if you are unfit for work whereas JSA is if you are fit and able to work.

Molly41

Can I ask how long you can claim contribution ESA? Is it time limited for 6 months?
Thankyou for your help

NASA_2

Molly41 wrote: »

Can I ask how long you can claim contribution ESA? Is it time limited for 6 months?
Thankyou for your help

Its continuous for as long as the claim runs. Which makes me think the OP is actually on JSA rather than ESA.

sharski

Sorry... you must attend a series of 6 appts approx 1 month apart for ESA - whether you work or not.
The advisor won't be pushing you into work but will be discussing future prospects of your health improving & also what support is available to you whilst you are claiming.

You really do need to attend or your ESA can be sanctioned (reduced) & as far as you being in the 'work' group - this probably has not even been decided but the chances are that you will be in the Work Related Activity Group (basically, that you can do 'some' work at some stage).

Don't worry about the appt - it's quite informal.

babyhead

Thanks - no i definately mean ESA

I was told on the phone that you can only can contribution based ESA for 6 months at which point they then switch u over to income based ESA. And so I probably won't get it as my OH has a full time job.

KrazyKel

I get ESA, and havent had to go to anything, im still in the assessment phase and went for my medical this week, also work part time within the petmitted work....

NASA_2

babyhead wrote: »

Thanks - no i definately mean ESA

I was told on the phone that you can only can contribution based ESA for 6 months at which point they then switch u over to income based ESA. And so I probably won't get it as my OH has a full time job.

That isnt true. ESA(C) doesnt run out after 6 months.

babyhead

ESA wrote: »

That isnt true. ESA(C) doesnt run out after 6 months.

Oh right. I am still in the assessment phase.

I have no problem with attending the interview but just don't want to waste my time (or theirs) if they are going to be helping me find a job. I know it's hard on here but seriously if you knew me u would know there is no way I could work more than I do.

I work 13 hours from home self employed and they have said I can do under permitted work.

I haven't had a medical assessment just filled in the form they sent along with docs cert. My GP was shocked when I told him i did a few hrs from home and fully supports me.

Stroof

Your ESA claim is basically what used to be called Incapacity Benefit, you are unfit to work to earn enough to live on.

I think you may get the basic entitlement for 6 months, but at some stage you need to demonstrate 1) incapacity 2) no opportunity to increase work.

And I would think you may also need to show low household income and low savingsl, certainly if you seek income support like housing benefit etc.

I would focus to start with on satisfying the incapacity threshold, on your written form and at the medical - take notes or have a witness with you, have to hand copies of all the evidence to support your claim, be prepared to dispute the report if it is being done by a contractor like Atos

babyhead

Do they always do a medical then?

It just seems as though they have had my form & docs cert realised that i do work part time and put me in the work group (or whatever they call it)

If I have to appeal this (as IMO i shouldn't be) can I request they do a medical if there isn't one done automatically?

Sorry...i just find it so confusing. Whenever I ask for advice from them each person tells me something different and makes it even more confusing!

I thought it would be put in claim then medical then they decide which group u are in and then u go to the interviews if they decide work group. I haven't had a medical or a letter saying i am in work group so if they have decided that (without me knowing) then i need to appeal this which is bound to have time limits??

ETA - I can't claim Income support/Housing Benefit/Council Tax benefit - as OH works. I also get DLA HRM and MRC. I'm not on the fiddle just want to make sure i'm claiming everything i'm eligible for. I lost out on a years worth of DLA because i was given the wrong advice by someone there.