Gone down to part time due to illness. WTC question

ade1982

Dear all,

Here is my situation. I have worked for a company for 3 years (Jan 2007), and in March 2010, I had a bit of an episode of depression and anxiety and was signed off sick, and have been off ever since. I have been receiving 4 months full pay, and then after that half pay, and for the last two weeks my SSP has ran out, so I am claiming Contributions Based ESA. (I have savings over £16k)

I have now got myself into a position where I have approached my employer about going back to work, and we have agreed to do so on 60% of my hours, and 60% pay. Before I was ill, I earned about £20500, so now I am roughly on £12300.

Now from what I understand, WTC are based on your previous years earnings, so my question basically is 1) do I still count as having a mental health condition, now I am signing off (I am still not recovered, and am undergoing counselling and taking anti-depressants), as I won't get anything if I am not, if I am classed as disabled, I will qualify because I am working over 16 hours.

Secondly, is there any sense in me claiming if it is based on last year's earnings and not my current earnings? I'm in a world of confusion!

Thanks in advance!