Should I claim? Am I entitled?

tigerstar

I’ve recently had a diagnosis of autism and I’m currently off sick from the doctor. I feel as though my late diagnosis aswell as anxiety and feeling low at at an all time low!!! I don’t know what this benefit is and how to apply but I don’t feel as though I can return to work for a long time. Can anyone help please 

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @tigerstar, ESA is Employment and Support Allowance. All new applications for ESA are 'contributions based'. This means you have to have 2 full years of National Insurance contributions out of the last 3 tax years and the following:

• Be at least 16 and under State Pension age
• have an illness or condition that affects your ability to work

And one of the following

• Part-time employee
• Previously working or self employed
  
• A full time student

You can read more about this benefit in our advice pages here: ESA | Disability charity Scope UK

It will go through the eligibility and how to claim it if you are eligible. I hope this helps, if you do have more questions about ESA please do just ask

poppy123456

Help is being given on your other thread here. https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/116481/carers-element-help-please#latest

I can give you all the advice you need on there as it gets very confusing when giving advice to the same person on 2 different threads.