Can I claim ESA

dogbiscuit_3

Hi.
I was dismissed from my job in Sept 2011. I have been on Contribution based JSA since then (my husband works full time so I am not entitled to income based). I am having a lot of mental health problems at the moment that are getting worse.
Does anyone know if it is possible for me to go onto ESA instead of JSA and if so is it time limited.
I have looked on the gov website but cannot work it out.
Many Thanks in advance for any help.

MrsManda

Have you sought medical/psychological help with your mental health problems? If so, does your GP/specialist think you're incapable of working?
In order to claim ESA you need to be able to prove you're incapable of any type of work due to health reasons.

ESA contribution based is assessed on your national insurance contributions for the relevant tax years (I think these are the last 2 complete financial years prior to the relevant benefit year which starts on the first Sunday in January so claiming now would be based on what contributions you made in 2009/10 and 2010/11).

ESA contribution based is time limited to 365 days if you are put in the Work Related Activity Group - most people who qualify for ESA are put into this group. If you qualify for the Support Group then there is no time limit.

dogbiscuit_3

Thanks for that.
I have been seeing my GP for my problems and I am due to see him again next week. So far he is just giving me antidepressants but I am feeling no better at all (I have been on them over year now). I try to get on with my life but it is getting harder each day. I am also waiting for my referral for a therapy service.

delluver

Dogbiscuit, you should try different antidepressants to see if they help xx