ESA - please describe process

Lucky_Phil_2

Hi All,

I applied for ESA on Friday and got sick note today. I have never claimed this before. Can anyone tell me what the process is? Is this £90/wk like JSA? Do I need to go into the JC? Should I upload sick note now? Doctor's surgery was very helpful and they got me this within a couple of hours

TIA

itsthelittlethings

Not sure about your questions but you can also claim UC as well if you are eligible.

T.T.D

Tell us what you have done:

Have you Applied for UC too?

You need to submit your sick note either digitally or handing it in to the JC to enter into the system as soon as you can.

Sherlock33

https://www.gov.uk/send-fit-note - you can use this to send your sick note

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance - this tells you all about the process for claiming ESA and the amount you will receive

Lucky_Phil_2

Hi All,

Sorry should have said. Not eligible for UC due to assets >16k. I have had a close bereavement recently so I have genuinely felt in a dark place in general.

The sick note is dated for 3 months from today. I am happy to upload this now and I am very grateful to my GP for doing this immediately.

My questions are

1. Will I be called into the JC to assess my condition?
2. As I have the sick note is this basically a given now? Are there other assessments to complete?
3. Does ESA stop if I get a job? How much do you actually get?

TIA

kaMelo

I deleted my post as @huckster provided a far more comprehensive answer than mine

huckster

1. JC's do not assess condition. Once you have claimed ESA and provided fit note, within 1 month you have to attend an appointment, where a Work Coach will issue a tailored claimant commitment. You will receive basic ESA rate of £95.55 weekly once ESA accept the claim and fit note provided. Failure to attend the Work Coach appointment without good reason within 1 month to accept the tailored claimant commitment will result in the claim being closed. The appointment with Work Coach is straightforward. It is to have a conversation about your current circumstances and to fully explain the conditions for claiming ESA.
2. Yes you will have to complete a capability for work questionnaire form and attend a capability for work assessment. At the moment it is taking about 4 months before the assessments take place. The basic pre assessment weekly rate of £95.55 is paid while you wait for an assessment outcome. You will need to provide fit notes until you have attended the assessment.
3. You have to call ESA on 0800 169 0310 if you start working. If you work 16 or more hours per week, then your claim will be closed. There is a permitted work process, which allows for continued ESA payment at the normal ESA benefit rate, provided work hours are less than 16 hours per week and net earnings are £203.50 or less per week.