ESA

Meterman

Hi new to the forum and after advice I've had to finish work due to health reasons,I have bipolar 11 chronic power back pain on list for injections ,valves knee and waiting a hip replacement still on sick note can I go on esa as can't go on jobseekers but looking but can't make head not fail of it and also on pips.
Any help appreciated

poppy123456

For New Style ESA it will depend on your NI contributions in tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22. If you're claiming SSP from your employer then you can't be paid ESA at the same time. If SSP has ended and you have the correct NI contributions then you can claim ESA. You will need a fit note and your SSP1 form from your employer. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

You can also check entitlement to Universal Credit. 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 UC then you should report your health condition, supported by a fit note within 7 days of that.

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

Meterman

Thanks for reply he's I'm officially unemployed on 2/7/23 then I need to renew sick note but problem I think I have is I've saved for 2 daughters weddings which will take me over £16000 as I guess they will class that as as income but the monies are what I've saved for them

poppy123456

New style ESA is not means tested so savings/capital will not affect any entitlement. 

With savings (not income) of more than £16,000 you will be excluded from all means tested benefits like Universal Credit and council tax reduction. 

Meterman

So if I have £36000 I was going to give them £10.000 each of left with £16.000 cos that mean I can't claim at all sorry I'm not the smartest button on the shirt.

poppy123456

You will not be able to claim Universal Credit because you have too much in savings. If you give your money away then you will still be classed as having that money.

If you’ve paid the correct NI contributions in the tax years mentioned above then you’ll be able to claim New style ESA because savings do not affect it. 

Meterman

Thank you

poppy123456

If there's any entitlement to ESA payments you will receive £84.80/week. Unless you're receiving a pension of more than £85/week and then the ESA will be reduced by 50p/week for every £1 over that amount.

It's paid for 1 year unless placed into the Support Group and then it's paid for as long as you remain in that group.

Meterman

Thanks again