Confused about my benefit entitlement.

char51

I'm really confused! I'm in receipt of pip & currently waiting for spinal surgery. I'm a self-employed dog groomer and doctor has advised me to stop or reduce hours. I have now reduced my hours to 12 a week. I'm not eligible for UC (hubby's wage) so the job centre advised me to put in a claim for ESA and start submitting sick note which will start the process for LCWRA which I've now done. Is this the correct way to do it or should I completely stop work then apply for ESA then do.the paperwork & assessment for LCWRA? I will have to completely stop for 6 months after surgery and may not be able to work again. I've never applied for anything except pip a few months ago. Thank you

chiarieds

Hi @char51 - & welcome to the community.

There's some misunderstanding here as LCWRA relates to UC, which you've said you wouldn't be eligible for due to your husband's wages; sick notes are also something that's asked for with UC, not ESA.

More info about ESA here: https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/eligibility

Be aware that with ESA that you are eligible so long as you earn no more than £152 a week, as well as working less than 16 hours a week (which you currently do).

poppy123456

chiarieds said:

sick notes are also something that's asked for with UC, not ESA.

That's not quite correct. Fit notes also apply to ESA. The process for claiming ESA and the work capability assessment is exactly the same as it is when claiming UC. See link. https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim

@char51 are ESA aware that you're working?

char51

No as I wasn't sure if I had to stop work first. I can't afford to stop until I know I'm entitled to something as I can't survive on standard PIP...I really don't know what I'm doing tbh

poppy123456

You need to tell them that you're working. To be entitled to payments for ESA of £77/week you will need to have paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22.

You can also look at claiming Universal Credit but it's means tested so if you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming.

If you claim both ESA and UC together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

Do you own or rent your home?

char51

I've paid NI the last 25 years, not entitled to UC because of hubby's wage..we own our home (mortgage)

Cher_Alumni

Hello @char51 and a warm welcome to our online community, how are you keeping?

I'm sorry to hear you're in pain and awaiting spinal surgery, do you have a date for that yet? I hope you're coping okay in the meanwhile.

I can see you're receiving help around where you stand from a benefits perspective - it's a very confusing system I agree! But just to let you know, I've amended the title of your thread and moved it to our Benefits and financial support category.

Please keep asking any questions you may have. We wish you and your husband all the best.