Cont-based ESA and applying for a graduate programme

Seth45

Hi. I have been experiencing ill mental health for several years and have been receiving contributions-based ESA. I also have some physical ailments. I am currently seeking help to manage my mental health and accept that my physical health is limiting. I am keen to have a new challenge, albeit this may be a moment of madness when I feel like I have something to offer and employer, as most times I feel very unconfident about this. I have seen a graduate programme advertised to begin Sept 2021, and it would be salaried. With my aim of continuing with my help to improve my way of managing my mental health, would I be “allowed” to apply for this graduate programme at this time;  I’m really looking at a change of career after several years of being unemployed.  I’m not expecting an overnight miracle in my emotional health and may even not get an interview but I think I have to try and push myself forward and overcome the horror I have been through and surely having a bright idea is a positive improvement on my emotional health.  Any advice welcome please. Many thanks.

[Deleted User]

Seth45 said:

Hi. I have been experiencing ill mental health for several years and have been receiving contributions-based ESA. I also have some physical ailments. I am currently seeking help to manage my mental health and accept that my physical health is limiting. I am keen to have a new challenge, albeit this may be a moment of madness when I feel like I have something to offer and employer, as most times I feel very unconfident about this. I have seen a graduate programme advertised to begin Sept 2021, and it would be salaried. With my aim of continuing with my help to improve my way of managing my mental health, would I be “allowed” to apply for this graduate programme at this time;  I’m really looking at a change of career after several years of being unemployed.  I’m not expecting an overnight miracle in my emotional health and may even not get an interview but I think I have to try and push myself forward and overcome the horror I have been through and surely having a bright idea is a positive improvement on my emotional health.  Any advice welcome please. Many thanks.

Of course you can apply for it. If you get it you just need to let DWP know when you start it 

Seth45

Thank you. The main thing I’m wondering about is if I can still continue to claim ESA while improving my health as the employment wouldn’t begin until September 2021. I know it may sound u usual but I am hoping that I can work towards my health improvements during all the lead-up time. The thought of a physical interview right now is nerve wrecking and I know I wouldn’t be fit for it. However, on paper I could probably do the application but to a decent standard. 11 months of therapy could be a great help to me.

[Deleted User]

 I see. You can claim ESA so long as you meet the requirements. If you have ad an assessment and been found unfit for work dont worry about it till your next assessment. Yes that may be before the training starts but you can worry about that then. Stressing already will make you more ill. 

Seth45

Thank you.

poppy12345

As you would be salaried then this would come under permitted work rules, for this it must be under 16 hours per week and earn no more than £140 per week, this will be slightly more from April 2021 but likely to be only a couple of pounds more. If you earn more than that then your ESA would end.

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

If you earn less than the permitted work amount then you do need to tell DWP that you're working and fill out the PW1 form. Do be aware though that if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming ESA then you could be reassessed early and the decision could go against you.