PIP advice and JSA

cmazza

Hi all, I am after some advice please. Until recently (May 2016) I have been working but due to some personal issues I decided to leave my job, I tried to start in another job (June 13th) but only managed two days. I have recently been diagnosed with BPD (borderline personality disorder) but have a long history of depression and anxiety. I have been admitted to a psychiatric hospital twice since May 2016 dues to attempts at suicide.

I have never claimed benefits before but now after a month and half of no money coming in, well two months really as I went on sick leave for the last 3 weeks at work, I am finding myself running out of money. Will I be able to get JSA as I quit my job? I hear that the PIP process is long and can be difficult to prove when suffering from mental health issues, what experience do you have? I have asked for my notes from the psychiatric hospital as evidence for my PIP application but fear this will not be enough.

Alice_Holt

If you can get a "fit note" from your GP, then you could claim ESa rather than JSa.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/before-you-apply-for-esa/eligiblility-for-esa/
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/start-the-esa-test

I would try a PIP claim - you have nothing to lose.
Contact your local CAB to see if they could help you with the form:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/
http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/personal-independence-payment-pip

cmazza

Thank you both, I didn't know about ESA but have read about it now! Cheers.