Why do I have to transfer to Employment and Support Allowance?

EltonJohnFan

Hi all,

I have been unemployed for a few months because I was made redundant when the company I worked for went into administration and unfortunately I haven't had much luck in finding a job since. I have however been working closely with the Jobcentre and a disability advisor who has been really good to me and she has sent me on numerous courses which have built up my confidence again and I've also done extra training and learnt lots of new skills. I am very badly disabled and at my last meeting I was told that after I have claimed Jobseekers Allowance for six months I will have to transfer to Employment and Support Allowance but I don't want to, why do I have to transfer to this benefit when I want to look for work and I'm quite happy to work but just need extra support in doing so? I am worried they might stop my money if I refuse because I don't need the extra hassle of it all. I am really trying to find work, it's just hard right now. What is my best option? I am currently receiving £200.25 per week in Jobseekers Allowance and Disability Living Allowance and I don't see what difference it makes what benefit I claim because I simply want to be in work and not claim benefits at all.

dmg24

Do you have a partner who works, or savings above £16,000?

EltonJohnFan

dmg24 wrote: »

Do you have a partner who works, or savings above £16,000?

No, I am single and I don't have a lot of savings.

dmg24

I wondered if they were suggesting it so that you could continue to receive payments, but that does not appear to be the case. Have you had any periods of sickness whilst you have been claiming? If not, you really need to ask them why they have said you should change your claim.

EltonJohnFan

dmg24 wrote: »

I wondered if they were suggesting it so that you could continue to receive payments, but that does not appear to be the case. Have you had any periods of sickness whilst you have been claiming? If not, you really need to ask them why they have said you should change your claim.

The lady who I met at the appointment just said that I would be better off on this benefit because it won't be easy finding work in my situation and due to the extra support that I'll need when in work. She said there are so many people applying for each job that I am going to get a lot of rejection and this will definitely affect my confidence, she's seen it happen to lots of people. The woman then mentioned that there are different stages that make up a Jobseekers Allowance claim but I'm not sure what that means as she didn't explain this any further to me and just said that I should think about changing over to Employment and Support Allowance. I have never claimed this and before I lost my job I have never claimed benefits in my life. It's a really frustrating situation to be in because I want to work and I'm not "ill" as such, just badly disabled. I am happy to remain on Jobseekers Allowance until I find work, can they force me to claim this other benefit she mentioned? she was really adamant that I stop claiming JSA and claim for ESA instead. I will if I have to but I don't see what point there is as I want to be in work and not on benefits.

dmg24

EltonJohnFan wrote: »

The lady who I met at the appointment just said that I would be better off on this benefit because it won't be easy finding work in my situation and due to the extra support that I'll need. She said there are so many people applying for each job that I am going to get a lot of rejection and this will definitely affect my confidence, she's seen it happen to lots of people. The woman then mentioned that there are different stages that make up a Jobseekers Allowance claim but I'm not sure what that means as she didn't explain this any further and just said that I should think about changing over to Employment and Support Allowance. I have never claimed this and before I lost my job I have never claimed benefits in my life. It's a really frustrating situation to be in because I want to work and I'm not "ill" as such, just badly disabled.

In that case that are not insisting that you change, just suggesting it as another option. However, they certainly will not sanction you if you choose to stay on JSA. Have you been told about Pathways providers, who might be able to give you more specialist help?

EltonJohnFan

dmg24 wrote: »

In that case that are not insisting that you change, just suggesting it as another option. However, they certainly will not sanction you if you choose to stay on JSA. Have you been told about Pathways providers, who might be able to give you more specialist help?

Yes, I am working with a disability advisor in the Jobcentre and I also meet every Monday and Friday with a private company who is giving me all sorts of training and support and I have a personal learning support worker who is there for me at anytime. The Jobcentre seems really pleased that I'm doing this and I intend to continue with it because I've enjoyed it so far and I've learned lots of new things and met some new friends. They are really good with me and approach potential employers on my behalf. I have had a work trial with a disability friendly company but unfortunately there was no job at the end of it, just work experience. I did have a good time though. The woman I meet in the Jobcentre keeps mentioning Employment and Support Allowance to me so I think I might just say to her next time that I don't want to claim it so please stop asking me to claim that benefit. I hope she doesn't think I'm being cheeky