Very Confused With Benefits

startingagain14

Hello,

I am recently single, parent to 1 over the age of 5 and trying to get my finances in order.

I have used the Turn2Us benefits calculator. and it said I should be entitled to ESA. I have done an online points test and as my points are below 15 I won't be eligible for it.

I have also done the PIP one and based on my points score I should be entitled to the lower rate.

So when I put in my claims do I claim JSA and take a sick note to the jobcentre?

Thank You

tomtontom

Are you fit for any work?

pmlindyloo

startingagain14 wrote: »

Hello,

I am recently single, parent to 1 over the age of 5 and trying to get my finances in order.

I have used the Turn2Us benefits calculator. and it said I should be entitled to ESA. I have done an online points test and as my points are below 15 I won't be eligible for it.

I have also done the PIP one and based on my points score I should be entitled to the lower rate.

So when I put in my claims do I claim JSA and take a sick note to the jobcentre?

Thank You

If you have a fit note then you need to apply first for ESA. There is an assessment period for at least 13 weeks. You will then be called for a medical.

Unless you feel able to work then you cannot apply for JSA. if you do feel able to work then you can apply but do not give the Job Centre a fit note as they will not allow you to sign on.

Perhaps if you feel able to share your medical problem we can help more.

ESA is also for short term sickness so if you feel that you will improve soon then you can close your ESA claim and claim JSA.

startingagain14

tomtontom wrote: »

Are you fit for any work?

I don't know to be honest. I've been told that my recovery could take upto a year (I am 4 months in to that). I can do most day to day things at my own pace but end up in a lot of pain and full of painkillers. My mobility is fine. But I don't know how it works really if that would class me as fit to work.

startingagain14

pmlindyloo wrote: »

If you have a fit note then you need to apply first for ESA. There is an assessment period for at least 13 weeks. You will then be called for a medical.

Unless you feel able to work then you cannot apply for JSA. if you do feel able to work then you can apply but do not give the Job Centre a fit note as they will not allow you to sign on.

Perhaps if you feel able to share your medical problem we can help more.

ESA is also for short term sickness so if you feel that you will improve soon then you can close your ESA claim and claim JSA.

What's a fit note?
All of this is very new to me and very confusing.
I've been offered a sick note, but as I was a SAHM and my ex was working I didn't need it.

I have plates, screws and k-wires in my joint, dis-use osteopenia and the on set of ortheo-arthritis.

But by the looks of the point system I won't qualify for it.

startingagain14

It won't let me quote you because of the link.

Thank you for that. So do I need to visit my GP to get a fit note before I start my claims?

As the ESA points system seems to say I am not eligible for it do I just claim PIP and then JSA and just do as they say?

Would the JobCentre be sympathetic to what I can and can't do and my pain or would they just make me apply for every available job?

Horseunderwater

Get the sick note(med3) & claim ESA - a GP should be able to give you one 4 3 months. It does not matter initially why you're claiming it. Make sure you get the income related type - gives free meds/dental & assistance for specs. If your ex is not paying maintenance then he should. You would also get full child tax credit on income related ESA. Sons 6th form may have funding for costs like travel/stationery/free school mrals & yes they do still get them in post 16 education if they are offered.

startingagain14

Horseunderwater wrote: »

Get the sick note(med3) & claim ESA - a GP should be able to give you one 4 3 months. It does not matter initially why you're claiming it. Make sure you get the income related type - gives free meds/dental & assistance for specs. If your ex is not paying maintenance then he should. You would also get full child tax credit on income related ESA. Sons 6th form may have funding for costs like travel/stationery/free school mrals & yes they do still get them in post 16 education if they are offered.

Thank you so much.
Do I literally just make an appointment at the GP and ask for a fit note? Or wait for my next hospital appointment and ask my doctor who sees me at Orthopedic Outpatients?

Sorry if those questions sound a bit stupid, but it's all rather mind boggling.

He pays the equivalent of the mortgage payments.

My girl's not in 6th form. She's in primary school.

TELLIT01

Horseunderwater wrote: »

Make sure you get the income related type - gives free meds/dental & assistance for specs.

You can't choose whether to claim Income Related or Contributions based benefit, it depends entirely on your circumstances. If the OP hasn't been working full time it's likely it will be Income Related but it's wrong to build people's hopes up before they claim. The OP will get the basic rate of £72.40 anyway but there's no certainty that she will qualify for free specs etc. It's probable, but not certain.

Horseunderwater

OOPs re child.
Yes go to your GP for the med3 & ask for a 3 months sign off. For ongoing Pain/mobility issues as reason.
BTW not daft - this is why this board exists. Keep a copy if you can, when I did mine I scanned them into my PC both sides. Make note when it runs out & get another to run from expiry for another 3 months - but do it 2 weeks prior so that you have it ready to send in.

Horseunderwater

Keith - 1 of the 1st 2 questions I got asked before I answered advisors ESA1 questions was did I want to claim IR/Cont type - at that time I was able to go for the latter, but am now on former. There's also the HC1 route for very low incomes as well.