Help! ESA Assessment Phase but been offered job to suit my needs

Jambuster7

Hey guys, I'm a new user so hello all.

Anyway, I've been signed off work for a while now and are still in the assessment phase of ESA due to anxiety and depression. However I got offered a part time job at 20 hours per work which is much more suited for myself and I'm really happy about.

The issue is, I have a sick note sent off to DWP which doesn't end till 13/03/2017
I am due to start the job on the 06/03/2017, would i ring DWP up and explain this to them or?

Kinda new to all this, never claimed before. Just need abit of help thanks x

theartfullodger

How can you be signed off sick (- for ESA_) but able to work? Great to hear you are getting better!

However, I'd wait until 07/03 to see if the job actually happens & how you feel about carrying on with it after 1st day (probably breaking rules, but perhaps prudent.

Good luck with the job & best wishes.

Tommo1980

It's not an issue as long as you notify DWP promptly of your start date.

If you have ongoing issues/needs that effect the type of work you can do and/or the number of hours you are able to work, there maybe other benefits that you could apply for.

Tom

TELLIT01

There is no problem with closing your ESA claim to start work even if you have a current medical certificate. Wait until the day you start work to inform ESA as jobs can fall through, even at the last minute.
If the job doesn't work out after you start, for example if your anxiety and depression kicks back in, you will be able to reclaim ESA assuming your GP will provide a new medical certificate. If you claim again within 12 weeks you would link back to your previous claim, whichs means you wouldn't have to serve the full 13 weeks on the assessment phase again.
Hopefully the job will be OK as you're going to earn more working 20 hrs than you would get on ESA.

System

Does your fitnote say you're unfit for any work or fit for work with adjustments? If its the former there may be a problem with starting work before it ends as employers have to cover themselves on health and safety grounds and if it says you cannot work they rarely go against that. (i got shall we say involuntarily signed off for 2 weeks and work refused to let me come back until the fit note had expired)