long term sick

longwalks1

calcotti wrote: »

She should definitely claim new style ESA. If she can get her GP to give her a backdated Fit Note she can backdate the ESA claim by up to 3 months. New style ESA is not means tested.

You may be able to make a joint claim for Universal Credit if you are on a low income and have capital of less than £16,000. UC is means tested.

Depending on the nature of your partner's health condition, how it affects her and whether it is going to be long term she may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment which is not means tested.

Thanks Calcotti - Will look into ESA and see if it can be backdated.


We arent on a low income but i dont have savings anywhere near £16,000, but im guessing my income could effect what she would get, if we went down the UC path?


I think her condition will be longer term than the next few months, sadly, so will look at the PIP too with her. Thanks again for your help

longwalks1

Paparika wrote: »

Go for the NEW ESA route.

Don't be railroaded to UC, as they will take what you earn too, (you're a couple regardless)

Thanks Paparika, would/could they try to encourage her to go down the UC route, or does it all depend on what she asks to claim for (UC or new ESA)?

longwalks1

Is this sometihng she should maybe see Citizens Advice about? Maybe call them and make an appointment? (never used them before, so no idea if its worth doing or is even who she should see)

poppy12345

britishboy wrote: »

Thanks Paparika, would/could they try to encourage her to go down the UC route, or does it all depend on what she asks to claim for (UC or new ESA)?

No. They are 2 different benefits. New style ESA isn't means tested and UC is. New style ESA isn't part of UC.



New style ESA is only paid for 12 months unless placed into the Support Group and then it's paid for as long as you remain in the group. It pays £73.10 per week assessment rate. £111.85 per week if placed into the Support Group and is paid from the 14th week of your claim. If the assessment decision takes longer then any money owed will be backdated.

longwalks1

Thanks Poppy (and everyone)
Apologies for the delay ,was looknig for my post and been struggling with the search feature for some reason??


My partner has finally seen CAB who pointed her towards an online calculator which when she answered all of the questions (I wasnt with her when she done it), it came out at I think £800 a month, which surely cant be right?


And can ESA be paid while still employed (but not getting paid) and do you know if it can be back dated at all?

calcotti

New style ESA can be backdated for 3 months (but there is no entitlement until SSP has ended).

For this reason it is worth claiming ESA as well as UC if there has been a delay in claiming because UC will not be backdated.

longwalks1

Thanks Calcotti
SSP ended a few months ago, so hopefully it will be backdated so it will help her.


Its good to know bith can be claimed together, which will help her.

poppy12345

britishboy wrote: »

Thanks Calcotti
SSP ended a few months ago, so hopefully it will be backdated so it will help her.


Its good to know bith can be claimed together, which will help her.

There's no financial gain to when claiming New style ESA and UC because the New style ESA will be deducted £1 for £1 from any UC entitlement.

calcotti

poppy12345 wrote: »

There's no financial gain to when claiming New style ESA and UC because the New style ESA will be deducted £1 for £1 from any UC entitlement.

That is true for the income going forward but the ESA is worthwhile if SSP ended some time ago because of the 3 month backdating which is worth £950. However I should have made clear in my earlier post that there would be no gain going forward so thanks for picking that up.

longwalks1

No thank you, this is new teritory for us both as never been in this situation, so thanks for all the help you've given (which, incidentally is already more than her employer has!)