ESA/JSA question

asky5555

Hi all, Ive been out of work since July, I claimed ESA contributions based(Aug), Ive received multiple forms/questionnaires and dont really want to go through all this.

I havent received any ESA yet, Im starting a job in 1 month. Can I just revert to JSA since August, I  made a mistake claiming ESA.

Thank you

tacpot12

You can certainly end your ESA claim and claim JSA. Providing you meet the job search requirements you should be fine, but the DWP might reasonably examine your job search activities closely because you have said that you weren't fit for work (by claiming ESA). You might also have to pay back the ESA if your change of heart is solely because of the form that needs to be filled in and the Work Capability Assessment you need to undertake, or because you now realise you claimed it in error. 

If you did claim it in error, then really the DWP should have you repay the ESA, and backdate your JSA subject to their normal rules on backdating, but I suspect that they will see that there is very little point in doing so as it won't save any money and just creates more work. 

huckster

JSA would not backdate the claim, as that is a very rare event. And you cannot swap ESA to JSA. It would be a new claim.

If you want ESA for relevant time period you need Doctors fit note and report this to ESA via upload www.gov.uk/send-fit-note.

Sounds like you claimed ESA due to mental health and have received work capability forms, even though you have not submitted fit notes. Without fit notes, ESA cannot pay the benefit.