Quick ESA question

FleurDuLys

Hello, I wonder if anyone can help me?

I have been claiming ESA (Contributions-based) since April last year, when I became too ill to work. I had a benign pituitary tumour and a heart condition and was recovering from spinal surgery too. I demonstrated at my medical that my spine was no-longer a real problem and that I was confident that the other conditions would be under control before long so I didn't think I'd need ESA for long. I explained I was just struggling with exhaustion and had a lot of hospital appointments to attend, and I'd tried to look for work but it became too much hence my GP signed me off.

I was awarded ESA with no problems and was put in the WRAG, which has been wonderful - it allowed me to study at home and do voluntary work when I felt well enough, to get ready for my new career. By the middle of November I felt a lot better so I rang the benefits people and said that I thought maybe I should go back onto JSA. They said they'd put a note on my file to show that I had said this, and I'd hear from them in due course. I haven't heard anything as yet.

I would have chased them up again but then, at the beginning of Dec, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I had surgery just before Christmas and I'm about to start chemotherapy.

Does anyone have any idea what I should do now? Should I ring up the benefits people again, or should I leave it until they call me? My ESA, being contributions-based, will only last until April anyway - but I'll be in the middle of chemo then (I need 6 lots done in 3 weekly cycles). Would I be able to move onto income-based ESA (I have no savings, don't live with a partner etc) just whilst I have treatment? I will get back to studying and working as soon as humanly possible, I was offered two jobs in December (cak timing!!) so I know I will be OK as soon as I get my health back.

Thanks loads for any help!

Indie_Kid

You won't move on to income based. There is currently no limit to how long you can claim contributions based ESA for. (can't remember when the limit is coming in - 2012?)

dmg24

AFAIK the time limit on CB ESA is not coming in until next year, so you won't be moved off it in April. If I am wrong on that you'll be ok to move to ESA.

It sounds like they have missed your note about transferring to JSA. I would call them anyway, in case they pick it up and make the change without contacting you first.

Hope the chemo goes ok.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

i would inform them right away. last thing you need is to go to a medical fail and have to appeal. ontop of your chemo and recovery.

dmg24

Also, you are exempt from the WCA whilst you are undergoing chemo, so definitely worth telling them.

FleurDuLys

Thanks all. It's good to know that my ESA won't automatically stop in April, but yes - I ought to give them a call and make sure it's sorted now. I can really do without the hassle but it will be a lot better to do it now than when I'm in the throes of chemotherapy!

The guy who I was having Pathways meetings with is aware of what's happened, as I was supposed to have my third meeting with him yesterday but had to miss it due to meeting my oncologist. I did try to reschedule it but he told me to leave it for now and concentrate on getting better, which was good of him.