ESA stopped, What now?

confusedandhungry

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post/ask this. Apologise if it's not.

I was signed of work for 8 weeks for mental health issues. My GP did this so that I would be able to claim ESA and have at least one element of stress removed from my life whilst I was struggling to cope. I was self employed and she wanted me to know that I could at least feed myself.

During the time that I was signed off, as well as having 2 failed suicide attempts during my incredibly low times, I also used my manically high times to try and be productive. I was successful in this as I managed to find a full time new permanent job and by spending the last of the money I had from an inheritance I have (pending the final references going through) secured a flat I can live in so I will no longer be homeless (I was never on the streets but have been sofa surfing for 4 months). Things are looking up I hear you all saying.....


My sick note run out last week. My expected last ESA payment for today was cancelled. After I pay for my train to work for the next month I have £20 to live on until the 31/8. During that period I am meant to be looking after my 2 young (7 and 4) children for 9 days. I really don't know what to do. I have already asked so many favours off my close friends by asking for somewhere to sleep I cant bring myself to ask for money. My parents have !!!! all and I would be taking food out of there mouths if I asked them for help. I really don't now what to do.

I know that I could ask my job for an advance but as I am on a 4 week probation period I am scared of admitting to them that I am in such as bad situation. I don't see how I can explain it without letting on about my mental health problems and I really don't want to talk about that with them at this stage in my employment. I have only been there 2 days. I really need this job. I cant give them any reason to doubt that I am capable to continue.

I feel so stressed and worried right now. It is bringing me right back to the darkest places I have been over the last few months as I can see way out of this.

Does anyone know if where I can turn to for help as I am at rock bottom, and I am saying that as someone who has tried to end their own life twice in the last 2 months

poppy12345

I'm thinking that your ESA stopped because you fit note expired and you haven't sent another like you are supposed to? Have you rang ESA to ask the reasons why it's stopped?
Do they also know you're working? You can do permitted work whilst still claiming ESA but it MUST be less than 16 hours per week and not earn more than £125.50 per week after deductions.

As you were claiming assessment rate for ESA then you do have to be careful of the work you do, if it contradicts the reasons for your ESA claim.
The first thing you need to do is ring ESA and then go and see your GP for another fit note. When you see your GP maybe have a chat to them about the way you're feeling and they will be able to help you further.

Good luck.

poppy12345

Permitted work rules here. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Permitted-Work-Rules

pmlindyloo

Some suggestions:

Ask your employer for an advance - no need to mention any particular reason - just say you've moved into a new flat and have some unexpected expenses.
Ask the bank for a small overdraft for a set period of time.
Ask friends and give them a time when you will pay them back.
If it's only food you need to find go to CAB and ask for food parcel/ try a food bank if you have one near you.
Take out a pay day loan (this is if all else fails) and make sure you pay it back pronto as the interest rates are horrendous.
If all else fails drop out of the new flat ( if they are still checking references you can't have signed a contract) - again last resort option.

Good luck!

confusedandhungry

I contacted the DWP to let them know that I had found a job. I told them the start date and they told me over the phone that I would still get my last payment of ESA. I could not move onto JSA as I had a job lined up. The ESA payment did not arrive today. When I called them they told me that due to my job I did not qualify anymore

I have full time work and will be paid on the 31/8

I just have nothing until then. I am scare of using payday loaners due to their high fees.

I just need to see myself through until then with out getting my self into a bigger hole

confusedandhungry

I have to keep the flat. Without it I will be on the streets in 3 weeks.

I am scared of payday loans. I cant afford to be sucked into more debt. I already owe friends over £2000 for little bits of help and the upfront costs of the flat I am moving in to.

poppy12345

Some good suggestions in post #3, i'm not sure what other advise we can give you here. Good luck.

Alice_Holt

Do you have a Credit Union locally?
Sometimes they can offer loans at reasonable rates.

Try looking at Turn2us for grants:
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Get-Support

Your local advice centre / CAB may know of any local grants and could give you a food voucher.

Good luck.