esa? really lost

kalika

Hi,

i'll try and keep it brief.

I've been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, ADHD and OCD for a little over 4 years. During that time i've never taken any time off work, even when I was having a full on breakdown. Stubborness and not wanting to seem week or a liability wouldn't let me.

My anxiety and mixed symptoms have increased over recent months which are leaving me a wreck. I've been advised to try and apply for ESA, I have little experience with benefits of this type as i've worked through all past blips as I call them. I left my permanent job, 4 months ago on a whim, and now in a temporary position where I have had to self certify myself for the past 5 days. After that I don't know what to do financially wise. I don't like asking for help. I should add currently I receive disabled tax credits and enhanceld daily living pip.

I said i'd keep it brief i'm sorry. sorry if this makes no sense

Darksparkle

Would you be entitled to SSP from your job?

kalika

I'm in a temporary job? i've given them my self certify form but haven't heard anything from them. From previous experience with they won't keep me on once i've returned to work anyway

Darksparkle

kalika wrote: »

I'm in a temporary job? i've given them my self certify form but haven't heard anything from them. From previous experience with they won't keep me on once i've returned to work anyway

The eligibility criteria is here - https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility

TELLIT01

If you don't have an entitlement to SSP you would need to apply for ESA, assuming your doctor continues to provide medical certificates. Claims are generally made by phone although paper forms can be sent out if absolutely necessary. Claims are obviously processed more quickly if done by phone.
If you were working full time for the 4 years prior to leaving your previous job it's likely that you will qualify for Contributions based ESA.

Bananas123

hello,

it makes sense to me, i think...

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esa is for people who can not work for illness, if you can not work for illness, then you should be eligable for esa ...basically.

but just because you have "illness" doesn't neccesarily mean you are eligable.

the esa process is, genuinely proving that you can't work, because of the illness.

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taking above into mind, and referencing what you have written, calling things "blips", working throughout illness, is maybe suggestive, that you would not be eligable at that time <

(on the basis that you were capable of working, whilst having the illness, suggestive you were capable).

but as you have got "iller" and can not now work, then you should be eligable and i would definately reccommend applying.

sorry thats disjointed etc, but trying to help you / help understand the process.

...bit tired.

regards