New style esa

lizptsd

Hi sorry in advance if I am repeating myself! I filled in a UC50 form in January and UC awarded me LCWRA in April. Due to the difference in NI contributions I went ahead and started a claim for new style ESA today as my SSP and work contract ends 17th May. Will I have to go through the assessment stage and fill in a ESA50 form and go through the whole process again? I really can't face going through it all again.
Can you close a claim / change your mind? The thought of having to get the Fit notes again after the SSP ends is making me really shakey and tearful as the relief at not having to submit them again was such a relief. 

lizptsd

No one at ESA or UC gave me any advice and I did it online as their systems were down. 

poppy123456

No, you will not need another assessment because you’ve already had one through UC. If entitled to payments for ESA you will receive the assessment rate for 13 weeks and then it will increase to Support Group rate from the 14th week of your claim. 

There’s no financial gain though to claiming both at the same time and the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. The ESA will be paid fortnightly and UC monthly. 

lizptsd

Thanks Poppy do you know if I have to supply fit notes for the assessment period. I'm due to ask for another one tomorrow so I can get my final SSP. The reason I made the claim was due to the NI contributions and the fact that it's paid two weekly so it's easier to budget. 

poppy123456

No, you will not need to provide fit notes. Make sure you tell them that you’re claiming UC and been found to have LCWRA. 

lizptsd

Many thanks Poppy thanks again 😊

lizptsd

Hi Poppy sorry me again as I applied online as their systems were down and they couldn't take phone calls is it best to wait until the phone appointment to tell them about about UC and LCWRA or try and call them to let them know when the phone lines are up and running. 
Do you know the best number for them as they can be quite offish if you call the wrong number. 

poppy123456

You’re welcome. I would wait until you hear from them. You should receive an appointment with a work coach soon. 

lizptsd

Thanks again Poppy 😊