ESA Vs. JSA - Being made redundant

echoes008

Hi everyone.
I am being made redundant in couple of weeks time. My manager advised me to go for Incapacity instead of JSA. Apparently I would get more money..

I have been long term back pain sufferer. I have is issue with one of the discs after I had a fractured vertebra few years ago. This causes me severe discomfort and for last few weeks my back pain has flared up big time. I can't even straighten my back or bend it any further for that matter. I have a real struggle sleeping at night because of pain and face great difficulty carrying out day to day tasks. My GP saw me about a week ago and has signed me off for 4 weeks. Also waiting to see the consultant at the hospital.

If my backpain improves I want to look for another job. Should I still go for ESA? Will it look bad when any prospective employer looks at my history?

Are there any other benefits of ESA? I will really appreciate any advice in this matter.

Indie_Kid

The money for ESA increases after you've had your medical and are put into one of the groups.

echoes008

sh1305 wrote: »

The money for ESA increases after you've had your medical and are put into one of the groups.

oh ok. Can I then move back to JSA, when I am fit enough and I start to look for a job actively?

Should I go for ESA or stick to JSA. I am just worried that no one would want to employ a sickie. I want to appear healthy to any prospective employers. I am doing all that I can to cure my troublesome back.

Indie_Kid

echoes008 wrote: »

oh ok. Can I then move back to JSA, when I am fit enough and I start to look for a job actively?

Yes you can. Whilst on ESA, you can ask for help with getting back into work.

MrsManda

If you are signed off work and are not entitled to SSP then I think you'll have to claim ESA.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/esa/DG_171891

The assessment period of ESA gives you the same amount as JSA.

If you are considered too ill to work after your assessment period then your payment goes up.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Employedorlookingforwork/DG_10018757

echoes008

sh1305 wrote: »

Yes you can. Whilst on ESA, you can ask for help with getting back into work.

No employer would be keen to employ someone with backpain history. Thats what worries me.

suelees1

If you're not available for or actively seeking work then you should claim ESA. There are no benefits as such. The money is the same for JSA and ESA until your medical assessment. At that point it will be decided you either no longer have limited capability for work or you'll be considered as meeting the conditions for one of the support groups. If that happens your money will increase.

Any prospective employer might ask about your medical history but you have to make that decision yourself.

suelees1

goffo wrote: »

If you pass the assessment or win it on appeal, the money you get will go up by about £25/£30 pw over and above what you would get from JSA.

That 'If' is a big word when it comes to ESA assessment goffo

-BA-

To be honest the decision of whether you should go for ESA or JSA will initially be determined by your doctor's decision of whether or not to sign you off as incapable for work. JCP will not process a claim for ESA without an up to date sick note (now called Fit Note I believe). Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your health problems and if he/she is then prepared to go ahead and write you a note, you should then contact the JCP Contact Centre on 08000556688 to make a claim for ESA.

The next person you see will be at your WCA (medical). If you "pass" the WCA then you will be assigned to the Work Related Activity group (WRAG) if they feel you are likely to be able to return to work within 6 months or the Support Group if they feel your health issues are more complex. It is only at this point that your money would increase beyond that of JSA. The Assessment Rate of ESA is identical to that of JSA.

NASA_2

You can claim ESA without a MED3 - the claim will be processed - you just wont get paid without medical evidence and your claim can be closed if it isnt provided within six weeks.

Oldernotwiser

Your employer has no right to advise you about benefits.

Have all the legal requirements for redundancy been met or are you actually being sacked because of your medical situation?