Esa whilst living abroad

lily1955

I was on IB for 12 years due to a back operation going badly wrong, I was then asked to attend an ATOS medical to migrate to ESA. Like a lot of others I "failed" the medical and was told I was not entitled to ESA. My Dr at the time supported me fully about my claim and I appealed, unfortunately the appeal failed. In the meantime I have moved abroad to live, to help with my health. I continued to get ESA at the assessment rate while waiting for my appeal hearing, after informing the DWP about my move. What I would like to know is can I apply again for ESA as it is over 10 months since my initial assessment? or would living in another country rule me out of applying? The Dr I have at present again fully supports my claim if I am entitled to do so, I have moved to another EU country.

[Deleted User]

I'm not an expert on it but I would assume you have to be living in the UK to claim any benefits.

Someone with more experience may be able to offer better advice.

Dxxx

Dunroamin

You can export ESA if you move abroad whilst claiming it but you cannot initiate a claim from abroad.

lily1955

Thanks for the replies:) So what you are saying is, even though I was on IB and then was refused ESA I cannot reapply whilst living abroad?

princessdon

You can apply to the country you now live in if in the EU.

Cpt.Scarlet

lily1955 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies:) So what you are saying is, even though I was on IB and then was refused ESA I cannot reapply whilst living abroad?

It's more complicated than this.

You cannot claim contribution based ESA as you will not be able to meet the NI Contribution requirements because you were previously on IB and therefore will have no NICs in the qualifying tax years.

You can only claim income related ESA as a UK resident, not while living abroad.

Dunroamin

lily1955 wrote: »

Thanks for the replies:) So what you are saying is, even though I was on IB and then was refused ESA I cannot reapply whilst living abroad?

That's right, unless you've spent 26 weeks out of the last 52 resident in the UK.

lily1955

Thanks for the replies...........