ESA Query

misspuddleduck

Good Morning

I have been on long term sick leave since March this year with two long term degenerative health issues neither of which can be 'cured' both of which have a huge impact on my day to day life.

I decided the only option was to take early retirement and my employers supported this. I had been sent for an Occupational Health assessment as I was off on long term sick leave and they confirmed I couldn't return to work prior to my retirement which will happen at the end of this month. Whilst I am taking my pension from work (which is a tiny amount) I didn't apply for retirement on the grounds of ill health. I was told by my manager this would have been a very lengthy process taking potentially two years of being offered alternatives to my present job etc. A process I'm not in a position to go through.

After advice from the Council Disability Officer I have applied for New Style ESA, forms and meeting earlier this week but I'm wondering if the fact I didn't apply for ill health retirement will have a bearing on whether I get ESA. I have supplied my Occupational Health report which states I'm not fit for work etc. My GP also supported me and advised me I should retire so I'm sure if they contact her she will support my claim.

I just wondered if anyone had thoughts on how my claim will be viewed by the DWP.

Sorry for the long post I thought I should explain my situation.

Thank you.

TELLIT01

As long as you have the medical certificate from your GP, and have enough NI contributions and credits to qualify, you can claim New Style ESA. It will be down to the medical assessment to determine whether or not you are considered sufficiently unwell to qualify in the longer term.
ESA assessment is basically to determine whether or not you are able to work, not whether or not you are able to continue in the type of work you have done in the past.

calcotti

misspuddleduck wrote: »

..... two long term degenerative health issues neither of which can be 'cured' both of which have a huge impact on my day to day life.

Depending on what the impact is you may wish to look at PIP which is also not means tested.
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/before-claiming/how-much-you-get-and-how-long/

poppy12345

misspuddleduck wrote: »

I have supplied my Occupational Health report which states I'm not fit for work etc. My GP also supported me and advised me I should retire so I'm sure if they contact her she will support my claim.

As you've only just started your ESA claim then you won't need that sort of evidence until a later date. You will only need fit notes from your GP and you'll need to continue to send them until a decision's been made on the work capability assessment.



You will eventually be sent a work capability assessment form that will need to be filled in and returned with all your evidence to support how your conditions affect you.


You'll most likely need to have a face to face assessment because most people have them. Once a decision's been made on that then you'll either be placed into the WRAG, Support Group or found fit for work.


If you're placed into the WRAG your money will only continue to be paid for 365 days, after that it will be NI credits towards your state pension only.


If placed into the Support Group your money will increase and be paid for as long as you remain in that group.



Support Group descriptors here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/1353-support-group-descriptors


Reg35 substantial risk here. http://www.cpag.org.uk/content/making-exception

misspuddleduck

Thanks everyone for your replies they are really helpful.

I have a Fit Note from my GP which covers me till the end of August and she has confirmed to my husband (one of my health issues being I have recently lost all hearing and am now bilaterally profoundly deaf), that she will provide Fit Notes for as long as I need them.

I was granted PIP last year, Enhanced Daily Living and Standard mobility for 2 years. They stated in their letter they would contact me after 20 April for a review but to date I've not heard from them. Not sure if I should contact them?

calcotti

misspuddleduck wrote: »

I was granted PIP last year, Enhanced Daily Living and Standard mobility for 2 years. They stated in their letter they would contact me after 20 April for a review but to date I've not heard from them. Not sure if I should contact them?

Wait for them to contact you.

misspuddleduck

Thank you Calcotti, I will do.