Getting a Job?

nezza

Hi, i'm now nearly 8 months into BR, and a couple of months ago I recieved a letter from the OR stating that he was putting me forward for early discharge (though haven't heard anything since yet)

All through my BR I have been claiming ESA, but now want to get back to work.

I understand that the OR can claim upto 70% of the difference between my req'd income as stated on my SOA & my new income, is this correct?

If so, what happens when I am discharged (either early or automatically) wrt my income?

Many thanks, Nez

philnicandamy

incorrect......once you start work you have to inform the receiver within 21days and submit a new SOA IF after you submit you have a surplus of at least £99 month left after living expenses then the receiver would look at taking a percentage of any surplus for 36mnths

nezza

So what would happen if I didn't get a job until after automatic discharge?

philnicandamy

no ipa would be started once discharged

tigerfeet2006

If you are discharged then you don't have to let the OR know of any changes unless you have an IPA.

Don't forget when you go back to work things like your travel will increase. Also the OR will only take 50% of your surplus if you only have a surplus up to £250.

nezza

So I'd be better off staying on benefits until discharge & then get a job & then keep all my income from day one?

Jeeeeez that's crazy! Where's the incentive to get a job & become a productive member of society again!!!!!!

philnicandamy

please dont make me answer.......:(

tigerfeet2006

Right I am not going to flame you for that comment but there is plenty that can be said.

As I said when you start work your expenses will increase so you may find you will be paying little or nothing to the OR. An IPA is also flexible so if your wage should drop then the Ipa can be reduced or suspended.

nezza

Sorry if my comment offended anyone, that's not what I meant!

I'm just surprised that such an anomaly exists.

I would have expected that either the IPA would cease on discharge, or that an IPA would still be applied for a period after discharge if income significantly changed.


As for me, after 6 redundancies (3 in less than 3 years!) culminating in clinical depression & unmanageable debt, I would like to get back to work, or at least try to (not sure if I'm ready due to my illness, but I won’t know until I try).

But if doing so means that the fresh start my family so desperately needs could be delayed by another 3 years (something I know my mental state couldn't cope with), then I would rather struggle as we are for another few months and start looking after discharge....... sad, but true

tigerfeet2006

It won't be delayed for 3 years, you will have a SoA that will be agree by the OR and it is very healthy. If it changes in the 3 years then they are pretty good at adjusting the IPA and you won't get the hassle you got from your creditors. You do not pay all your surplus to the OR, it is from 50-70% so you will still have more than you would have if you were paying creditors.