ESA Advice please

IdaGobz

Hello,

I've recently been awarded PIP (living standard rate) for psoriatic arthritis that I'm struggling to get under control. I am employed full days, term-time only in a school, and have been signed off sick all year but started a graduated phased return back to work in September.

I'm really enjoying being back at work, but I'm finding it a struggle as I'm still experiencing flare-ups which affect mobility (particularly in my hands).

I would like to apply for ESA if possible and reduce my hours a week to the permitted level. Work have been wonderful with me and they have employed someone else as a "buffer" job share, and she would be happy to make up the hours I drop.

When I went to apply for ESA online, I wasn't sure how to proceed being on phased return, if this class as being on "sick leave" or not. I'm not even 100% sure I'm eligible. I have sick notes up for the year until the summer holidays (end of July).

I also wasn't sure how to calculate, if I was granted ESA, how much I would be permitted to work each week, as I work term-time only (39 weeks). My take home salary is what I'd earn for the school year divided by 12. I'm assuming it's 16 hours per week regardless of term time?

I hope that makes sense and if anyone has any advice that would be great.

calcotti

In order to claim ESA you will need a current Fit Note.

I think the minimum 16 hours will be applied to the hours you work in those weeks you work (not averaged over the whole year). For the earnings, if they are spread over the 12 months they will be taken as paid.

Bear in mind that unless you are placed in the Support Group any ESA will only be payable for a year. 

IdaGobz

Thanks so much for your reply. That is kind of what I guessed for the hours, but wasn't sure. I didn't know about the year limit, but that is fine - I really just wanted support until I can get the flare ups controlled and I can increase my hours again.

I'm not sure how to work around the fit note thing though. I might have a chat with my doctor or rheumatologist and see what they think. My inflammation markers had been coming down steadily but spiked up again on return to work. Possibly because I'm immunosuppressed because of my meds and primary schools are Petri dishes 

calcotti

A Fit Note can be issued by GP to show that you have a limitation on your work (rather than not fit for work).