ESA and sick pay

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xshalim

Hello,
I have been off work due to CFS and at the end of February my pay will be halved after six months. I understand that my SSP will end at the same time? 

1. Am I eligible to apply for ESA?
2. If yes, when should I apply?
3. Do my earnings from occupational sick pay affect the ESA?

thank you, 

calcotti

1. Your employer should give you form SSP1 which confirms when your SSP ends. You can claim new style ESA.

2. If you have the SSP1 you can claim in advance but ESA will only be paid from the day after the SSP ends. If you claim after SSP ends you can backdate the ESA. As well as the SSP1 you will need a Fit Note from your GP.

3. No. New style ESA is not means tested (with the exception of some pension or health insurance income).

You may want to check whether you may also have any entitlement to UC which is means tested. If you have a partner you would both have to claim and entitlement would be based on your joint circumstances.