Starting work on ESA?

GeraltJones

I currently claim income related ESA and have been offered work at KFC, but I'm not sure how many hours I would be working - which I need to find out - but I'm concerned about what would happen if the job doesn't work out.

I'm currently 20, and as such would need to ideally work 30+ hours for it to be worth my time and effort (due to NMW) and my concern is if they happen to suddenly cut my hours as it won't be contracted in a place like that if I'm not mistaken.

I suffer from depressive episodes and social anxiety and let's say, hypothetically, that I was fired from this job a week or a month down the line for not being up to the task, or for no reason at all, what would happen?

I was told I'd be able to make a rapid reclaim, but I'm not sure what this entails and whether or not it's time limited/based on why you're let go.

Could someone explain this to me?

The last thing I want is to be stuck without money because I got too far ahead of myself and I've been getting upset about the whole ordeal, which obviously isn't good for me.

GeraltJones

Anyone? :c

[Deleted User]

you need to ask them how many "contracted"hours the job is for

Horseunderwater

Hi
You can actually work 16 hours at nat min wage which equates to £99.50 per week under the higher earnings limit for permitted work and still retain your ESA claim under the income related rules. However, it also depends on which group you were put in as to how long you can do this. If you are in the WRAG - you are time limited to 52 weeks maximum - but if you are in the Support group, it is not time limited in that way. It is disregarded for income, so you get to keep your £99.50 wages from KFC and also ESA on top. Doing that would give you the chance to see how you cope with working and if you feel you can cope you can then ask for more hours and get fully back out there again. That is part of why it is called Employment and support allowance. That is what I do - except that I have a leg infection at present that is causing me trouble so am off work again.

GeraltJones

I don't wish to do permitted work and as I've already stated I wish to work more than 20 hours I don't think this would work. I want to call KFC and ask how many contracted hours I will have, but my heart is racing and I can't bring myself to do it. What do I say?

GeraltJones

Okay, so I finally plucked up the courage to call KFC and they said my minimum hours would be 24-27 p/w, but if I want more I just need to ask and I'll get them.

[Deleted User]

all you need to do now is make sure you get that in writing/contact

GeraltJones

I will. Do you know about the rapid reclaim thing though? My advisor informed me of this and I need to know how it all works.