ESA

2021rdsunshine

Hi all ! I would be very grateful if you guys could help me to clarify a few things regarding the new style ESA

For a bit of background: I’m 61, I work 30 hours a week. Partner receives his state pension and a state foreign pension and also still works part time. We have about 30000 in savings.

Unfortunately my health has deteriorated in the last few years and I’m struggling to work my 30 hours a week. I’m considering substantial reduction of hours at work . My question is if I apply for ESA when reducing my hours ( I’m thinking in reducing to less than 16 hours a week) can I apply again if I stop working completely at some point in the future or ESA moves automatically to the support group category as long as I have proof that I can no longer work?

Torry_Quine

Stopping work because you can't any longer doesn't automatically get the support group. It's all about the assessment.

2021rdsunshine

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82057366#Comment_82057366

yes I understand that, my doubt is more if we can go from the work related ESA to the support group category afterwards if health circumstances change

Torry_Quine

Every time you are assessed you can be put in either group or found to be not eligible at all. So yes you can change group if your needs are thought to be a change.

huckster

I have come across too many people over 50 with health conditions who think that they might qualify for a benefit based on reduced work capability.

Many are found capable of working, as the assessments look at what they could do. Their ESA claims are then ended and some go through appeals process.

Before you think about reducing your work hours and earnings, talk to your employers about any support they can offer. Perhaps they can make some changes that would make work easier to manage.