advice on ESA and apprenticeship.

JonathanC30

Hi

I'm looking for some advice, if anyone is willing to help, I have been off work due to social anxiety, Depression and hyper sensitivity for almost a year and half.

I have worked all my, short, life and up until I had to leave I was an outgoing, happy person, I had been on tv adverts and In movies, I also represented England in Tae Kwon do, winning many comps. Basically I caught my manager trying to get another employee fired by faking complaints saying he was racist. During the investigation I told the investigator what had happened any the investigation was dropped but as my manager has high up friends she wasn't even given a warning. The next day she informed me she knew what I had said and I let her down. For 2 years after which I put up with her bullying and sexual harassment until I actually couldn't take it anymore, she threatened my job unless I did what she said and I Basicly had a break down. When I put a complaint in I was warned "people who make false allegations would be fired and legal action would be taken" So the company turned on me. I was forced to accept a small payout and leave.

Since then I don't leave the house, I sleep most of the day and I'm on sertraline 200mg a day, soon to be changed as they don't work

I'm having issues with ESA and the sickos at Atos saying I'm fine, I'm currently getting help from citizens advice and having getting mental help from a psychiatric department and my doctor has written to CAB to advise them I'm in no fit state to work. I'm currently waiting for my tribunal.

My girlfriend has been very supportive through this hard patch I'm going through, and pretty much does everything for me. I love her so much but I feel like a horrible boyfriend and father to my son. I'm desperately seeking help but Atos and ESA people don't care.

My question is, if my girlfriend takes up an apprenticeship at £2.50 an hour, will it effect our esa and housing benefits?

I'm actually not fit to be left alone, I have regular memory laps and forget to do important things, I have burnt myself with the oven and hair dryer, I have left the oven on all day and I accidentally overdosed on my tablets and took 400mg as I forgot I had already taken. basically I would have to get other help possibly from my parents.

I'm sorry for the long question and the horrible grammar, but any help would be appreciated as I feel like I'm letting my family down and I want my gf to feel like she has a life other than looking after me.

Thank you

rogerblack

I assume she's living with you.
If so, then yes, her working will affect your ESA, past a nominal amount (20 quid?).
Over that, every pound will reduce a pound from your ESA.

von

If she lives with you and works 24 hours per week or more, even as an apprentice she is treated as in full time employment therefore you will not be entitled to Income-Related ESA from the date she starts the work.

Her work will not affect your entitlement to Contribution-based ESA if you are receiving it.