Going from SSP to ESA

[Deleted User]

Currently wife gets full pay but before long will get half-pay plus SSP.

I understand SSP runs out after 28 weeks and then you need to claim ESA?

Is this something you need to claim or does employer do it? I've seen 23 weeks somewhere which is pretty much now.

Is it SSP1 or ESA1 form? Help....

[Deleted User]

Also, wife has option to take some of her leave to stay on full pay.
Way it works is that you temporarily take holidays and then go back on sick.

But would this affect any ESA claim?

sheeps68

I've just been through this. You need to claim for the SSP. I checked with my employer on what date my SSP ran out by a simple email as dates often do not seem to match up with when you think. Then about 4 - 5 weeks before your SSP runs out they should send you SSP1. About 4-5 weeks before the SSP running out you claim put in your claim for ESA. Make sure you keep original copies of your medical certificates from now on as ESA want original. My employer is happy with a scanned copy.

[Deleted User]

sheeps68 wrote: »

I've just been through this. You need to claim for the SSP. I checked with my employer on what date my SSP ran out by a simple email as dates often do not seem to match up with when you think. Then about 4 - 5 weeks before your SSP runs out they should send you SSP1. About 4-5 weeks before the SSP running out you claim put in your claim for ESA. Make sure you keep original copies of your medical certificates from now on as ESA want original. My employer is happy with a scanned copy.

Thanks. So far shes got full pay so no SSP (I guess employer gets it) but now its down to half pay plus SSP I guess.

Employer has given dates for end of full pay and then end of SSP a month later. They are sending out SSP1 next week.

So we use that to claim ESA now?

Thanks for letting us know about medical certificates. To date, we've been keeping scanned copy and sending original to employer.

[Deleted User]

blondebubbles wrote: »

The employer provides an SSP1 after the SSP ends at 28 weeks.

It would be up to your wife to claim ESA, not the employer.

There is info here including how to claim

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/overview

After? Where does 23 weeks come into it then for ESA when SSP lasts 28 weeks?

notanewuser

[quote=[Deleted User];66956758]Thanks. So far shes got full pay so no SSP (I guess employer gets it) but now its down to half pay plus SSP I guess.

Employer has given dates for end of full pay and then end of SSP a month later. They are sending out SSP1 next week.

So we use that to claim ESA now?

Thanks for letting us know about medical certificates. To date, we've been keeping scanned copy and sending original to employer.[/QUOTE]

They don't. It should be separated out on her payslip though so that they can prove she's had it (as part of her full pay).

sheeps68

[quote=[Deleted User];66956758]Thanks. So far shes got full pay so no SSP (I guess employer gets it) but now its down to half pay plus SSP I guess.

Employer has given dates for end of full pay and then end of SSP a month later. They are sending out SSP1 next week.

So we use that to claim ESA now?

Thanks for letting us know about medical certificates. To date, we've been keeping scanned copy and sending original to employer.[/QUOTE]

My employer said they do not need original copy of medical certificated to reassure you. In fact they stated all they needed was to see the certificate.

SSP will be part of her full pay just may not show on payslip. It should show separately but mine didn't.

As soon as you get that SSP1 start the ESA claim. On the SSP1 it will state the date of SSP expiry. There will then arrive a medical form ESA50 to complete. I'm giving you the link so you can look in advance and then have a choice to fill in the electronic copy and print out to send or hand write the one they send.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esa-50-limited-capability-for-work-questionnaire

Please think outside the box for the questions and ask advice. The way its worded its difficult to really explain issues. For example it asks if you can reach up with one hand into a pocket. It's clearly a yes r no however you can then state that yes you can do that although not repeatedly or maintain keeping arm up and use examples in everyday life.

It's a difficult time so make sure you get support in all these horrid negative forms that focus on what you can't do. Not to mention the fact they all arrive whilst you are feeling unwell.

[Deleted User]

SSP is limited to 28 weeks yes? And if there are close together periods of sickness their 'linked' arent they?

i.e. You could have 20 weeks off, then go back to work for 4 weeks, then be ill for 8 weeks and it'd count as 28 weeks.

Anyone know if its same for ESA?

Wife has built up loads of leave and employer lets you take leave when half pay ends so you stay on full pay for a bit. All counts as same sick period and you just go back on.

But would this cause problems with ESA? i.e. sickness until SSP runs out, then 4 weeks say of back on full pay then back on sick and claim ESA?

notanewuser

This might be where you got the 23 weeks from.

http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/manuals/spmmanual/spm10855.htm

notanewuser

As for the switch to ESA, I don't know how much of an issue this leave build up is going to be. Technically if you're on paid leave you're not sick. I'd be asking the employer how this has worked in the past. I wonder whether it might be better to dismiss and pay any outstanding leave entitlement.

(Are they looking to dismiss on ill health grounds at all?)

Mrs_Ryan

I had this. I was paid in lieu of leave and told ESA about this- I was paid twice, once in March at the end of the holiday year and again when I was finally dismissed in October. I was told that it was fine, they do take into account there maybe outstanding holiday pay to be paid.