leaving work with depression

stundent

Hi,

I hope you can all help me. I am currently on sick leave from work dye to depression. The issues in my life have been ongoing for some time, a lot work related due to the stress of my job and hours I work affecting my family life. This was bought to a head recently when my partner and I lost a child during pregnancy. I gave been off work for 10 weeks, and plan on resigning this week to release my holiday pay.

I have thought long and hard but cannot face returning to work.
I have applied for university and been accepted onto my preferred course which begins in September.

I would like to know if I an likely to face sanctions on has with me leaving due to depression?
I understand that my family will be able to claim HB But am unsure what route to take regarding JSA.

I am looking for work currently. Just work with a set shift pattern at 40 hrs per week and less responsibility.

My partner works 24 hrs per week at earns 668 per month I'd that helps??

Thanks for your time.

DomRavioli

Have you considered ESA instead of JSA? If you feel that you cannot currently work due to depression, you could claim ESA if your GP/clinician will give you a Fit Note (sick note).

You can claim contributions based ESA, which isn't affected by partner's income. HB is dependent on household income.

specialboy

You can request your holiday pay during sick leave if you are struggling.

stundent

Thank you for your replies. I have considered requesting my holiday pay, and continuing to claim as. But I know I won't return. Plus I'm under the impression that the company would be required to pay me full pay during my notice period even though I am sick which would help loads.

With regards to esa the claim form asks a lot of questions but they're mainly mobility related which doesn't affect me.

Has is the most fitting as I will be seeking work. But if I'm sanctioned then I can't live...

Anybody know of I will be sanctioned for leaving on medical grounds?

Thanks to all

rogerblack

If your medical grounds are not believed by JSA - then yes - they may sanction you.

The ESA form is not solely about mobility.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esa214-a-guide-to-employment-and-support-allowance-the-work-capability-assessment
Yes - the first section is.
page 22 and on is the mental section.
Depending on the severity of the depression - anything from reduced awareness of personal hazards, problem-solving, coping with change, getting about, social engagement, appropriateness of behaviour might all be possible places you might score.

As a purely technical point.
If you claim ESA - all you need is a note from your doctor saying you should abstain from some (or all) work.
This will start an ESA claim into payment - and even if you terminate your claim for ESA and go on to claim JSA - you cannot then be sanctioned.

stundent

So if I claim ESA. And then once this episode has passed (as I expect it too as the main stressor will be removdd) I begin to look for work I could begin J'S without fear of sanctions?

Thanks again everybody