Ssp to esa

victoriaolivia wrote: »

Hi does anyone know roughly how long it takes to swap over. I keep reading about applying a month before ssp runs out but hubby went to the job centre and they said come back when ssp finished. He's been today as it's ended and they gave him a form and said he needs to wait for an interview. I don't get why he had to wait until today. Is it relatively quick getting it all sorted from now from anyone's experience x

I may be out of date (if so I'm sorry) but it used to be.....

The employer advised you that SSP was to run out on date XX and provided an ESA form.

However even if they didn't you could apply for ESA over the phone (took 40 mins plus) or in writing. You need to submit a doctors sick / fit note.

You then get paid ESA immediately SSP stops, initially at the "assessment" rate. During the first three months you get called to a "medical". Assuming you "pass" you are them put on the appropriate rate which is backdated to the start of the claim.

If you don't pass the medical (or successfully appeal) you get moved onto unemployment benefit and ESA stops. You don't have to pay back the assessment phase money.

It is (or was) paid ever two weeks direct to your bank.

But I may be out of date.....