Claiming job seekers allowance with depression and anxiety

Shelly12

Indie_Kid wrote: »

I used to sign on in 2010 - 2012. I did ask if I am allowed to take jobs that are 16 hours a week. I was told yes as long as it's enough to get me off JSA, it doesn't matter.

But haven't they changed the system since then and made it more strict. But they let you take jobs that would be enough so you don't have to stay on jsa and can support yourself

tomtontom

Shelly12 wrote: »

Does depression/anxiety count as a disability though since it's a mental illness.

They are making me attend a 2 day course from 9-4 for applying to jobs. There's noway I can be there that long, I can't concentrate for that long. I couldn't even last in college more than 2 hours without missing lessons because it was too much for me. I can only get an appointment with my gp next week so I can't get a note from them. Any idea about what I can do about this

Is there anything to stop you trying to attend? You keep saying you can't do things, but that will never change if you don't try. Generally these courses are not great, but you might get a good trainer who varies the activities to keep your attention.

2gorgeousgirls

FBaby wrote: »

I don't think this is correct. The JC CAN make you look for full-time positions to be able to get JSA, however, if you get a part-time job that means you can come off JSA and support yourself, then it's none of their business any longer.

Possibly the rules here (NI) are different. We don't have claimant commitment here - still on the old sytem JSAg

Quote: 16 hours would be a part time job would it not. On my agreement it says it has to be a minimum of 40hours, if I wasn't applying for those it goes against it, and I would stop getting the money. Quote

Anything over 16 hours removes you from benefits.

System

op,just apply for ESA i really dont see why you dont if you are as ill as stated

Shelly12

bournemouth_bell wrote: »

op,just apply for ESA i really dont see why you dont if you are as ill as stated

I just wasn't sure what to do and whether I would be able to apply for esa, it all seems confusing.

There's no appointments with the gp I usually see until monday so I can't get a note until then to apply for esa. It's that i have to go to a 2 day course thing, but because I can't see my gp first I don't have a choice but to go at the moment, which is a problem now

Shelly12

tomtontom wrote: »

Is there anything to stop you trying to attend? You keep saying you can't do things, but that will never change if you don't try. Generally these courses are not great, but you might get a good trainer who varies the activities to keep your attention.

I have tried things but I know what I can and can't do, I managed to get through college just about but it was really difficult, I was struggling a lot for the 2 years I was there.

Nothing keeps my attention, even watching tv programs I like, I can't pay attention to them. Being depressed I have no motivation, I don't sleep at night properly, I get really bad fatigue.

This course is from 9-4 I can't like do anything for that amount of hours, it'll stress me out and then it'll look like I'm intentionally not doing anything.

I've been trying to look for jobs but I'm finding it difficult to do this.

System

ok,attend the course,if you are unwell their they may well send you home,atleast then you have attended and should not go against your JSA claim

on monday go to your GP and get a sick/fit note,if your are having these problems the GP will know your background and should sy you are unfit to work

then go to the jobcentre and sign of,they will give you the number to claim ESA,then phone ESA and get your claim started,its verystraight forward and i only waited 2 weeks from signing of JSA to getting a payment from ESA

i have Bipolar and anxiety all diagnosed and under mental health team,im on ESA support group

good luck

Shelly12

bournemouth_bell wrote: »

ok,attend the course,if you are unwell their they may well send you home,atleast then you have attended and should not go against your JSA claim

on monday go to your GP and get a sick/fit note,if your are having these problems the GP will know your background and should sy you are unfit to work

then go to the jobcentre and sign of,they will give you the number to claim ESA,then phone ESA and get your claim started,its verystraight forward and i only waited 2 weeks from signing of JSA to getting a payment from ESA

i have Bipolar and anxiety all diagnosed and under mental health team,im on ESA support group

good luck

If I'm not well when they are there they should let me go home, would I have to say something to them because it's not exactly obvious that I'm not well. Do I go to the job center after I've seen my gp, or do I wait until the day I am supposed to sign on?

I was thinking it was going to be complicated when I was researching online it just seemed difficult it only seemed to be more for people with physical disabilities.

But that does help thank you

Indie_Kid

Go the job centre after seeing your GP.

patman99

Op, ESA pays more than JSA. After 12 weeks it rises to £112 p/week from £80 p/week.
Once on ESA, you can bang in a claim for PIP, but please ask your Dr if there is someone at the surgery that can assist you in filling-in the form as it will boost your chances of getting it.

The benefit of ESA is that you can work for 15 hours 59 minutes and earn up to £95 per week and still get full ESA. If you know how to play the system you can survive.

Also, as your dad is on benefits, he may be entitled to grants to do up the house under some of the schemes available.

For food, what about the foodbank ?. Never be afraid to use it.