ESA and being married

vonny_23
vonny_23 Online Community Member Posts: 34 Connected
Hi. My name is vonny.  I receive ADP standard rate for both mobility and daily living. I work at the moment, but due to COPD worsening, I'm having to leave my job. My husband works full-time.  Will I be able to apply for ESA or any other help? Any information will be appreciated 👍 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 63,184 Championing
    The only ESA possible to claim is New style ESA. Whether there’s any entitlement will depend on your NI contributions in the previous 2 tax years. It’s not means tested so savings/capital and a working partner will not affect it. 

    Ideally if you’re entitled to SSP from your employer then you should claim this for 28 weeks. You will need a fit note to send to your employer. https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay/eligibility
    I wouldn’t normally advise anyone to leave employment without getting some expert advice first. 

    If you claim SSP you can apply for New style ESA 3 months before it ends. If entitled to payments they won’t start until SSP ends. You will need a fit note and your SSP1 form to claim it. 

    You can also use a benefits calculator to check entitlement to Universal Credit. As you live with a partner entitlement will depend on your joint circumstances. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    edited October 2023
    Hello @vonny_123

    I hope Poppy's answer has helped. I'm sorry to hear your health has ben getting worse. Can I ask, have you let your GP / specialist know? Have they been able to support? 
  • vonny_23
    vonny_23 Online Community Member Posts: 34 Connected
    Hi and thanks for replying.  I recieve ADP standard rate for both mobility and daily living.  I've asked my Dr to refer me to the Respiratory Clinic as all he gives me is more steroids and antibiotics as I'm on the only inhaler left to take for COPD, I'm getting nowhere with my surgery.  I'm under OH through work but I'm absent more than I'm working.  I'll try again and thanks again for your help 
  • Hannah_Alumni
    Hannah_Alumni Scope alumni Posts: 7,866 Championing
    edited October 2023
    @vonny_23 If you feel you are getting nowhere with your current GP, is there another under the practice you could speak to? 
  • vonny_23
    vonny_23 Online Community Member Posts: 34 Connected
    @vonny_23 If you feel you are getting nowhere with your current GP, is there another under the practice you could speak to? 
    In our area if you are registered with a Doctor you can't leave and register anywhere else. Its ridiculous that they make you stay with a Dr even though they are failing in their duty of care to patients.  Also you can't ask for a specific Dr as you  get who's available or more often than not you see a Nurse. I feel so frustrated about this. My nearest surgery is a 5 minute walk from.our house and my surgery is a 20 minute bus ride away after moving..