Am I entitled to ESA

Janedoe6475

Hi,
I'm 17 years old and I am about to drop out of college due to severe medical issues. I cannot even sit in my wheelchair right now, and I haven't been able to attend since the first week in September.
If I drop out, my mother will lose all benefits pertaining to me, and I know we cannot survive without it, and I already know I cannot claim normal benefits due to my age.
However, would I be able to claim ESA? It isn't stated on the government's website, or anywhere else, for that fact, and it would be good to know so I can put a claim in and have some money until I am well enough to work. I already get PIP, if that helps.
Thanks.

poppy12345

Janedoe6475 wrote: »

Hi,
I'm 17 years old and I am about to drop out of college due to severe medical issues. I cannot even sit in my wheelchair right now, and I haven't been able to attend since the first week in September.
If I drop out, my mother will lose all benefits pertaining to me, and I know we cannot survive without it, and I already know I cannot claim normal benefits due to my age.
However, would I be able to claim ESA? It isn't stated on the government's website, or anywhere else, for that fact, and it would be good to know so I can put a claim in and have some money until I am well enough to work. I already get PIP, if that helps.
Thanks.

If you live in England you must be in full time education until your 18th birthday. If it is England i don't know how strict these rules are but i'm sure someone else will help.


If you're not living in England, yes you can claim a benefit because you claim PIP. What you can claim will depend on what's in your area, if it's a full Universal credit area then you won't be able to claim ESA, it will have to be UC. Check here. http://ucpostcode.entitledto.co.uk/ucdate

usernameisalreadyinuse

Is it Tax Credits? If you are interrupting education due to illness or disability, I believe they can disregard this (ie carry on paying CTC) if you have the intention of returning. I am not sure how this works in practice.