New style ESA support groups

KittyS

I have just realised that I can apply for new style ESA from a very helpful forum member in another thread.  I am just about to go for voluntary redundancy, have over the amount of capital/private pension.  But worked out I would get £40ish a week, plus free prescriptions (which would be helpful as I have quite a few).

My question - is I have a multitude of disabilities including sensory, mental health and long covid.  I've tried to work but its just a nightmare with not being able to hear, anxiety and fatigue.  How hard is it to get into the support groups?  I have a lot of evidence and I get high care PIP and low mobility PIP for a 10 year award.  Could I send my report from PIP as evidence, hearing charts and long covid clinics.  My stumbling block would be my GP as they seem obssess about staying in work.  But it is really hard work and I will be out of work.  So I am hoping a fitnote would be easier.  Any advice 

KxMx

New Style ESA doesn't give automatic entitlement to free prescriptions.
Have you got a Pre Payment Certificate which would help cut the cost? 
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc

Alice_Holt

Criteria for the Support Group:

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

tacpot12

Do you think you will be able to get fit notes from your GP? If they will give you fit notes, they will benefit from you claiming ESA as they will no longer need to see you just to issue a fit note.

It being a nightmare to work sounds bad, but many people struggle on because they want to work and benefit from working. Rightly, it's quite a high bar that you have to cross to show that you can't do any work at all and are unlikley to every be able to do so again.

Spoonie_Turtle

In addition to the link already given, this one explains the scope of each activity and the descriptors (Support Group is equivalent to LCWRA)
https://wcainfo.net/

You may be particularly interested in 'Significant risk' given that Long Covid, if of the ME/CFS type, can be exacerbated by overexertion which can cause likely permanent deterioration.

KittyS

Spoonie_Turtle said:

In addition to the link already given, this one explains the scope of each activity and the descriptors (Support Group is equivalent to LCWRA)
https://wcainfo.net/

You may be particularly interested in 'Significant risk' given that Long Covid, if of the ME/CFS type, can be exacerbated by overexertion which can cause likely permanent deterioration.

Whoops spoonie I just accidently pressed report and I can't get it off the red.  I wanted to do the quote - that is so helpful and yes ME is a nightmare.  I am under an ME clinic and I have really struggled.  I have to try and pace and that doesnt fit in with work.  

KittyS

tacpot12 said:

Do you think you will be able to get fit notes from your GP? If they will give you fit notes, they will benefit from you claiming ESA as they will no longer need to see you just to issue a fit note.

It being a nightmare to work sounds bad, but many people struggle on because they want to work and benefit from working. Rightly, it's quite a high bar that you have to cross to show that you can't do any work at all and are unlikley to every be able to do so again.

They seem to keep wanting me in work when I went for a fit note last year but did get it and then got referred to the ME clinic, which was great.  I think coupled with been deaf, is a real hard struggle as you get intense hearing fatigue as well.  I'm on a constant battle to get adjustments and have to mention it every meeting.  It is really exhausting physically and mentally..    I've got lots of evidence the PIP report from the assess, letters to the GP from the ME clinic etc. 

huckster

How many hours per week do you work?   Approximately what are your net earnings per month ?

Your Doctor is correct, better to stay in employment. What about reducing hours worked per week ?

Might be possible to claim New Style ESA if work hours under 16 hours per week and where earnings £167 or less per week, if permitted work allowed.  Look into ESA permitted work rules.

PurpleMouse5

You have to show fit notes at the start anyway until you have the assessment. If you can get them, I think it would be worth applying and see what you can get. It takes them over 3 months to make a decision on which group. Even if you're put in the work related activity group it might still be OK in terms of requirements. And you can always sign yourself off and just have your pension income if the requirements do become too much. 

KittyS

huckster said:

How many hours per week do you work?   Approximately what are your net earnings per month ?

Your Doctor is correct, better to stay in employment. What about reducing hours worked per week ?

Might be possible to claim New Style ESA if work hours under 16 hours per week and where earnings £167 or less per week, if permitted work allowed.  Look into ESA permitted work rules.

Unfortunately, I am up for redundancy.  I have reduced my hours but I am going to be unemployed shortly.  This will give me an opportunity to have a break and try and get myself a bit better again.    

KittyS

PurpleMouse5 said:

You have to show fit notes at the start anyway until you have the assessment. If you can get them, I think it would be worth applying and see what you can get. It takes them over 3 months to make a decision on which group. Even if you're put in the work related activity group it might still be OK in terms of requirements. And you can always sign yourself off and just have your pension income if the requirements do become too much. 

That what I plan to do -apply and have lots of evidence.  Including a pip report from the assessor, which is really funny, as I thought I was doing all right, but it reads that I am very bad particularly at communication.   I am lucky as if it does get too much I can just sign myself off.  But I thought I would have a try.