ESA reclaim

jaytee36

HI

I hope someone can help.

I was on ESA for approx 4 years due to depression. During this time I received all appropriate benefits. In October I got the opportunity to take up a 16hours per week vacancy. I accepted it thinking it would be good for me.

However I am now ill again. At the moment I have told work that I am off with a virus but I know I will need to either get a Drs note next week or resign.

My question is that if i resign do I have to go through the full forms for ESA or is it PIP now ( I live in Scotland ). I had heard that there is something called "rapid reclaim" for ESA dependant on how long you had signed off for.

Thanks in advance.

Horseunderwater

1. If it is more than 12 weeks then you would not be able to re open the original ESA award. Definitely get a sick not from your Dr re work & do not resign for the moment. Ring DWP in morning and ask if you can re open your ESA claim as there might not be long left before 12 weeks is up.

TELLIT01

ESA and PIP are different things. PIP is replacing DLA nor replacing ESA.

jaytee36

Thanks for your help. With working back the dates. its 10 weeks and 3 days since my last ESA claim stopped. Can you phone ESA ppl before you let your work know?? I dont get any sick pay at my current job and that is also affecting my decision.

Sorry for asking about PIP , I actually meant UC. I get a bit confused with all the terminology.

One thing I am hearing a lot is people are saying you wont get a new job in less youre already in a job! As a rule do people believe thats true? I mean Im leaving for health reasons in the main. Plus once Im better Id plan to do voluntary work.

Thanks again

Horseunderwater

I would def contact ESA 1st in this case esp since you're not getting SSP. Much better 2 get well again.

allen35

Are you earning less than £111 pw, if single did you apply for Working Tax Credits as you may of been entitled due to disability element depending on your circumstances and working 16hrs.

If you didn't meet the earnings threshold I imagine you need to ask your employer for an SSP1 form which should enable you to apply for ESA.

ESA can backdate up to 3 months, therefore you will need to get a sick(fit) note from your GP with the first date you were ill and apply from the day after the date you were paid up to.

I am sure the rules are now that you don't get ESA for the first 7 days of a new claim but not sure if it's connected to a linking period.

Horseunderwater

Allen35 - they already have an ESA award which under the 12 week linking rules means that your advice is incorrect. The fit note is only needed 4 current employer if at all.

jaytee36

Hi

Thanks for all your help. Yes I was claiming working tax credits as I get DLA .

Im getting a bit fed up of people spouting the whole stay in the job it will be easier to get another one. Firstly the job is not helping my mood. Secondly Im not fit for any job at the moment.

Anyone else been in the same situation ?