From JSA to Sick Benefits

Ladywriter

I have just joined and new here so please bare with me. Myself and my husband are currently claiming jointly for JSA, I think I am the main claimer for this as its paid into my bank account. I have been thinking of claiming sick benefits as my health has gone down hill recently. I suffer badly with back pain, depression and high blood pressure and feel very stressed as well. I have been told by benefits that I may be able to claim Income based Employment Support Allowance which will be the same amount as JSA but it means I wont have to sign on or look for work, but they said my husband will still have to sign on every two weeks and look for work, but we will probably still have this as a joint claim, or it could be him on JSA and myself on sick benefits. If I decide to proceed with this claim and go to the doctor and get a sick note and put in a claim. Firstly - how long with this all take before I get paid from ESA? and next - will they take me straight off JSA? as then I will have No money to live on? With a doctors certificate I assume they cant refuse sickness benefits? Am I correct or wrong?

hothothot_3

Can give you a partial answer in that the change from incapicity benefit or income support based on medical illness towards ESA has led to a change in the authority of the sickline given by your GP. On ESA you will be assessed by a Dr from a private company, if they decide you are fit enough for JSA then it doesnt matter what your GP thinks, so just expect this could happen.

If you are without any money you can always claim a crisis loan in any transitional period.

Oldernotwiser

If you claim ESA they will look at what you can do rather than what you can't before making a decision. Your GP's medical certificate will be the starting point for a claim but it won't be the deciding factor,