Esa

Gaz1971

Can someone in the know explain to me the whole ESA thing, from initial claim onwards? I am able to work part time hours but not full time and they have told me I am too restricted to be on JSA.

GirlFromMars_2

To start an ESA claim you need a fitnote from your doctor stating that you are unable to work. And you need to fill in the appropriate form from the jobcentre.

There are two types of ESA, Contributions based, if you have enough NI contributions from the past two years. Or Income Related if your income/ your partner's income is low enough.

If you meet the requirements for Conts/Income & have a sick note you will be put onto the Assessment Rate of ESA, this is paid at the same rate as JSA.

A couple of weeks into your claim you will be asked to complete an ESA50 form to describe how your condition affects you. This is assessed in relation to a number of descriptors. If you meet the descriptors for either the Work Related Activity Group or Support group you may be placed in a group without having to go for a face to face assessment.

If you need a face to face assessment you may be waiting some time on the assessment rate.

After the assessment you may be found to meet either of the groups, or may be found fit for work.

If you are placed into one of the groups, then you will receive an extra top up to your basic Assessment rate pay.

If you are found fit for work you can request Mandatory Reconsideration (where another Decision Maker re looks at the initial decision) and after that you can request a Tribunal.

So, have a look at the ESA descriptors and see if any of them fit you. And if they do get a Fit Note from your doctor and apply. (You can apply even if you don't meet the descriptors, but it's worth having a look at them.)

SJI85

Gaz1971 wrote: »

Can someone in the know explain to me the whole ESA thing, from initial claim onwards? I am able to work part time hours but not full time and they have told me I am too restricted to be on JSA.

What are your restrictions? If you have a long term health condition, or disability, you are allowed to amend your claimant commitment - looking for only certain types of work or certain hours - whatever is reasonable for your condition.


If a Jobcentre advisor thinks you're being too restrictive, and this is unreasonable (even considering your health) then I believe they can refer the decision to a decision maker. I assume this hasn't happened?

rogerblack

You still need to be able to seek >16h/week work though.
But yes - has the basic claiment commitment been amended - as above - ask to see thedisability employment advisor at the jobcentre if not.
You can in principle do up to 16 hours work at minimum wage under ESA without it affecting your benefit - at least for the first year.

Gaz1971

Well this is the issue, they have amended my JSA to take into account my health issues but they wont take them into account when it comes to mandatory courses. My JSA says I am unable to sit long periods, then they expect me to sit all day on some course.

paragon909

Gaz1971 wrote: »

Well this is the issue, they have amended my JSA to take into account my health issues but they wont take them into account when it comes to mandatory courses. My JSA says I am unable to sit long periods, then they expect me to sit all day on some course.

So if you were getting a sick note from the doctor what disorder does that come under or what would the doctor put on it, Am just curious....

Gaz1971

I suffer from sciatica, I have to limit what I do each day or I cause the nerve in my back to become swollen and trapped, which leaves me unable to do anything for days.

paragon909

Gaz1971 wrote: »

I suffer from sciatica, I have to limit what I do each day or I cause the nerve in my back to become swollen and trapped, which leaves me unable to do anything for days.

Yea that can be sore, Isn't like your disks in your back start grinding together or something. My dad had it and it can be painful.

Just go to the doctor and tell them your condition is causing your problems and you need to be signed off sick to get rest and relax instead of being stressed out about JSA strict and over the top rules....

Get a 13 week sick line for sciatica and stress or something then claim ESA.....

Gaz1971

When you claim, how long before you start getting any money?

Poppie68

With my claim I sent the paper work on the Monday then got a txt on the Thursday and my first payment was in on the following Monday....I don't know if they are still so efficient due to the backlogs.

Gaz1971

So am I right in thinking they process your claim, put you on the assessment rate for 13 weeks while they sort out medicals etc?

What happens when you are put in a group? Do you have to attend the JCP?