Claiming ESA while on UC

Wesker

Hi all, just a quick question I work part time (24 hours a week) am single and receive a small amount of UC to top up my wages.
I have had a bad back for a few months, managed to carry on working (strong painkillers) and my employer has been very understanding.
The condition seems to be ongoing so have applied for ESA but I have read you can only get help if you work less than 16 hours but also read you can work more than 16 hours if claiming UC
Can anyone confirm which is true?
Thank you.

huckster

Yes you cannot claim ESA if working 16 hours or more per week.

And even if you did qualify for ESA, any ESA payments would be deducted from UC as other benefit income.

UC does not have a limit regarding working hours. But they cannot refer you for any work capability assessment related to health issues impacting on work, as you are working too many hours.

Sounds like you have claimed ESA without getting any advice about benefits based on your current circumstances. Depending on what you told ESA, this may cause them time in processing and also they may refer your application to the Job Centre to contact you.  Suggest that you call ESA  asking to withdraw the claim to save unnecessary time being taken up.