New Style ESA

Kittyc

I have just realised that I can apply for new style ESA from a very helpful forum member in another thread.  I am just about to go for voluntary redundancy, have over the amount of capital/private pension.  But worked out I would get £40ish a week, plus free prescriptions (which would be helpful as I have quite a few).

My question - is I have a multitude of disabilities including sensory, mental health and long covid.  I've tried to work but its just a nightmare with not being able to hear, anxiety and fatigue.  How hard is it to get into the support groups?  I have a lot of evidence and I get high care PIP and low mobility PIP for a 10 year award.  Could I send my report from PIP as evidence, hearing charts and long covid clinics.  My stumbling block would be my GP as they seem obssessed about staying in work.  But it is really hard work and I will be out of work.  So I am hoping a fitnote would be easier.  Any advice 

poppy123456

I don't know what advice you had in the other thread so just to make sure it's correct. Any pension you receive of up to £85/week is ignored. For every £1 over this amount your ESA is reduced by 50p/week. Assessment rate amount is £84.80/week (25 and over) 

If placed into the Support Group your weekly amount will increase to £129.50/week from the 14th week of your claim. You will not be entitled to free prescriptions when claiming New style ESA because it's not means tested. You can look at the NHS low Income scheme. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/nhs-low-income-scheme-lis/

The majority of people are placed into the Support Group. I've been in this group myself for coming up to 11 years. You can see the descriptors here. https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance/esa-glossary/support-group-descriptors only one of those needs to apply the majority of the time. 

Yes, you can send your PIP report but please be aware that they are 2 completely different benefits and claiming one doesn't automatically entitle you to the other. You can also send in any other supporting evidence that you think will help.

A fit note isn't classed as evidence so this will not help the assessment itself. You will need to send fit notes to DWP when you claim it anyway. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance#how-to-apply

ESA can be backdated for a maximum of 3 months, providing you weren't earning more than £167/week at that time or you weren't claiming SSP. 

Kittyc

Do you need a fit note from the GP if you are unemployed when you apply for this benefit. I am confused whether you need one.  Apologies 

poppy123456

Yes you do, it does say this in the ESA link I posted above, please have a read of the links.  You need to continue to send them without any gaps until a decision is made on the work capability assessment. 

Kittyc

Thanks poppy