ESA or JSA?

mlarmour

I went to my local CAB recently and they think I may be better off on ESA rather than JSA.

I am currently on JSA which as a 23 year old recent graduate is just a little bit soul destroying as I'd rather be at work, however there is no guarantee that I will manage a part time contract let alone a full time contract due to my disability as I have fibromyalgia. I want to be at work and I do feel that ESA would be striking out the possibility of work. I want nothing more than to be at work and to eventually move out of home, but I do feel that ESA might stop me from doing this, but at the same time I feel a little bit like a fraud whilst claiming JSA when I am not sure if I will be able to work.

I'd be grateful if anyone has any advice or input.

Indie_Kid

ESA may be better for you. If you're on ESA and get to the "I want to work; but don't know if I'm ready" stage, you can do permitted work. You're meant to also get extra help on ESA with getting back to work and getting work ready, if that's appropriate.

tomtontom

You have identified the pitfalls of ESA - the longer you're on it the less likely it is you will find work. What you can do is stay on JSA but ask to see the Disability Employment Advisor, they can update your agreement to reflect what you can reasonably do.

(Having said that, Indie Kid makes a good point about permitted work.)

Indie_Kid

To claim JSA, you must be able to work at least 16 hours a week.

Are you receiving DLA / PIP if you have any care and /or mobility needs?

tomterm8

mlarmour wrote: »

I'd be grateful if anyone has any advice or input.

Bottom line is that it's not really your choice whether you're on ESA or not. To qualify for JSA you need to be capable of working (not necessarily any job, but for 16 hours a week or more at some job) and to qualify for ESA you need to be unfit for work.

You need to be honest with yourself: Can you work?

Most people will be better off working than either on JSA or ESA. After the assessment phase you'll be better off on ESA than JSA.

mlarmour

I am currently not claiming pip, I am in the process filling in the form. I have only been diagnosed a couple weeks.
I am aware that it isn't my choice. In an agreement between myself and the job center, I am down to work 20 hours a week instead of the 30 that they expect. I am honestly not sure if I can manage 20 hours a week, I have done some part time work when I was at university, it was only 8 hours a week and I seriously struggled.

TELLIT01

mlarmour wrote: »

I have done some part time work when I was at university, it was only 8 hours a week and I seriously struggled.

On that basis you will be better going for ESA. You can still work up to 16 hours and earn approx £100pw on Permitted Work. That might provide the stepping stone you need to get back into longer hours over time.