ESA to JSA question???

BlackthornFS

Hi,

Just a query really, I recently left work to claim ESA because my job became to stressful and on top of my own personal issues it started to affect my day to day life. So I felt it was time to take a break and sort the problems out.

My doctor has requested that go for CBT therapy so I can learn to deal with the issues I have, But its 12 weeks away. I have been off work a week and in myself I feel fine and I am thinking about looking for work but not in a stressful environment.

But because I feel ok and I want to look for work, I should be on JSA but because it only been a week will JSA class me has leaving my job voluntry or because I had a sick note and made a cliam of ESA will I be able to claim straight away and not get a sanction.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

jetplane

You know you will be sanctioned. You can not leave work and then a week later say you are fit for work as long as its of a less stressful type. You had the option of going on the sick from work and receiving SSP or ESA and receiving treatment and still looking for another less stressful job.

You will need to stay on ESA if your GP agrees. You will then be examined, you will fail the medical and will have to appeal. Meanwhile you will receive your CBT and there is nothing to prevent you looking for work while you receive your ESA.

If you do not have a job at the end of it you can then claim JSA.

Incidently if you are on contribution based ESA then you would be paid this until you transfer to JSA which will then be paid for 6 months on a contribution basis. If you sign on JSA and are sanctioned for up to 6 month you will lose the contribution based entitlement which is important if you do not qualify for income based benefits.