Help understanding ESA

LplateSaver

Hi. I'm having an operation to remove a tumor in 2 weeks, the doctors don't think it's cancerous and think I should be back on my feet in 6-8 weeks.

I've asked at work about company sick pay but they said because Ive only worked there 1.5 years and because I only work 14 hours that I'm not entitled to it. They didn't mention ESA but I looked online and think I may be entitled to it.

I really don't have a lot of info so if anyone can help answer I'll be grateful. My questions are:
1. when do I get the "signed off" letter from the hospital or do I get that from my GP? I need this to apply for ESA and work needs to see it too.
2. I've been working 14 hours since November. 30 hours may-nov. 12 hours jan-may and 30 hours in the years before that so I have paid some NI I just don't know which ESA that would put me in. Does it matter/make a difference whether I'm in income related or contribution based.
3. What will happen after I claim? Will I have to be assessed or will they not need to because of the doctors note?
4. I think that's everything that has been confusing me but if there's anything else you can add thanks.

Mrs_Ryan

You should be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay. You can only claim ESA if you arent entitled to this and the employers have to provide a form SSP1 stating why this cannot be paid so you can claim ESA if not. Do you earn more than £111 a week? If so they MUST pay you SSP.

LplateSaver

No I only earn £99 pw on my contracted hours. How do I get the SSP1 will I have to send someone up after the op to get it or can I ask for it now?

TELLIT01

If you're only earning £99 per week you won't be entitled to SSP so you will be able to claim ESA.

Anuur93

Hi can anyone help?

I have been recieving the standard ESA payment of £57 per week for 3 months now by sending in GP sick notes. I have now been placed in the support group and I start recieving £125 per week from this week onwards. Somebody that I know got back paid over £1000 after their assessment period was completed but I have heard that you only get back pay if you have been waiting OVER 3 months for a decision to be made on whether you are eligible for the work related group or support group.

Just wandering whether I am likely to receive any form of backpay

Confusing but hope I have explained well enough

Poppie68

Anuur93 wrote: »

Hi can anyone help?

I have been recieving the standard ESA payment of £57 per week for 3 months now by sending in GP sick notes. I have now been placed in the support group and I start recieving £125 per week from this week onwards. Somebody that I know got back paid over £1000 after their assessment period was completed but I have heard that you only get back pay if you have been waiting OVER 3 months for a decision to be made on whether you are eligible for the work related group or support group.

Just wandering whether I am likely to receive any form of backpay

Confusing but hope I have explained well enough

I've replied on your thread.