Contribution Based ESA / Garden Leave

urrrgh

Hello 👋

Long term sick leave due to work issues / severe mental health problems.

Company paid sick leave for six months ending in Dec and issued SSP1. As part of my severance they then paid garden leave for 3 months, I was too ill too work and a settlement.

DWP told me to use the date end of Oct for my ESA claim. Is this correct?

I have declared all of my assets and won't be eligible for income based ESA, this is only contribution based. I was not able to work and did not for a year. I'm concerned about the payments from my employer, but also understand exit agreements do not impact ESA contribution.

Numerous articles indicate this is correct, but I have severe anxiety and paranoia, so have to question it.

Please only comment if you know, feeling very stressed!

Rachel_Scope

Morning @urrrgh.

I've just moved your post to our ESA category where there may be more people who can help.

Here's the government's page on ESA which may be helpful https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance . There's also https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/ who can offer support.

poppy123456

To be clear, have you claimed New style ESA or are about to claim?

If you’re about to claim ESA can’t be paid at the same time as SSP so you will need to put the date the SSP ends down. ESA will then start 7 days after SSP ends, if entitled to payments.

You will need the correct NI contributions in tax years 2021/22 and 2022/23.

urrrgh

My SSP ended end of December. I have been receiving contribution based ESA / new style ESA only since it finished. I was concerned about being paid extra funds from company in Jan - Mar (garden leave and settlement) but understand if it's not SSP or a pension, this income is disregarded as this isn't a means tested benefit and I have not been working.

I've now confirmed twice with DWP so it better be right. So stressful! Sending details anyway, surely they won't punish me if I've tried to get the right guidance.

poppy123456

Yes, it will not affect your ESA if you haven’t actually been working. The only thing that affects New style ESA is a pension of more than £85/week.

You’ve done the correct thing by telling them that you received it.

urrrgh

Thank you so much! Always scary with these things. So complicated, and many of us aren't in the position to really manage it. Think it causes more anxiety than the money is worth.

Appreciate the support!

poppy123456

You're very welcome. Happy that I at least put your mind at rest.