Rapid reclaim ESA/permitted work

weirdtimes

Hi there,

I recently posted regarding being off work sick, and potentially claiming ESA. (Thread here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6561501/not-eligible-for-ssp-can-i-get-esa/p1?new=1)

In short, I was in Support Group New Style ESA. Started work, not full time but above the threshold for permitted work, so signed off ESA completely. (New job started 2nd Sept.)

However, having been off sick means that my weekly hours fell below the threshold for a week. Also, for two earlier weeks I was already earning below the threshold. This means that for the four weeks on my last payslip (which covers 23rd Sept - 20th Oct) I was well below the threshold for claiming ESA whilst doing permitted work. 

Can I make a backdated claim for ESA for this time, and retrospectively fill in the forms for permitted work? 

huckster

I don't think that it will be possible to backdate, as the ESA claim was ended by you.  They won't backdate to the day after the previous claim ended and reinstate support group.  You could submit a mandatory reconsideration appeal about the claim closure, if you had contact with someone from ESA and now believe the basis of the cancellation was an error.  But if you go down that route, make a new claim while you wait for a decision.

Challenge a benefit decision (mandatory reconsideration): Eligibility - GOV.UK

You can claim NS ESA again, but would have to go through a new Work Capability Assessment process. If you are working under 16 hours per week and below the threshold of £183.50 per week, then yes you could complete permitted work form.