ESA and one off payments from employer

katjw0019

Hi,
I am receiving new style ESA whilst my case is decided (I've had the assessment).
I am technically still employed but am not earning any money as have been on sick leave for over a year and am in the final processes of termination of contract due to my ill health (as I am unable to work).

I randomly got a payment of £750 from my employee in July (still trying to work out why).

My question is, will this payment effect or stop my ESA payments as it's more than the £167 a week limit to qualify for ESA? Should I contact DWP to let them know I've had a one off payment from my employer?

Also, I may get a one off payment in the future from my employer as compensation for termination of contract due to ill health - would this effect or stop ESA too?

I'm concerned that my ESA may be stopped or I'm made to go through the application and assessment process again after I've just finished it!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Jimm_Scope

Hi @katjw0019 I'm deeply sorry nobody has responded to you until now. It seems to be a rather unique situation so I imagine many are unsure how to answer. I understand the worry about what will happen with your benefits, the way the system works can sometimes leave people with a lot of uncertainty.

Did your employer clarify what that payment was for?  I know ESA stops if you earn more than earn more than £167 a week.

I will say, you should contact your JobcentrePlus or sending a letter to your local Jobcentre office, if your employer pays you arrears or get paid a lump sum. This is mentioned here Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): Report a change of circumstances - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)