CBESA Rapid Reclaim?

Klou96

I am currently debating returning to work. Ive seen the words ‘rapid reclaim’ floating around. I claim CBESA and have done for 3 years, I dont claim any form of UC or IRESA. Does the rapid reclaim stand with CBESA so if within 12 weeks, it doesnt work out, I can go back on it? I cant seem to find any recent information online.

poppy123456

Your ESA will be known as New style ESA. Yes providing it's no more than 12 weeks. It's known now as linking rules. See link.

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/379/regulation/86/made

If you do need to reclaim you'll need to ask them to restart your claim under the 12 week linking rule.

Are you also aware that you can do permitted work, providing it's less than 16 hours per week and earn no more than £183.50/week your ESA will continue as normal. You will need to tell them you're working and also fill out the PW1 form.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet

Klou96

As always Poppy, you are an angel who deserves more credit!
I know about permitted work, but the job will be in Tesco whose minimum contract is 16 hours, id be happy with two days a week so im in consultation with them. Its a non customer facing role, my partner of 3 years has worked there for 6 and is now management so I would have support AT work, it seems too good to pass up or at least not try!
What is the difference between New Style and Contribution based? When I phoned a few weeks ago for something, I got them to confirm it was contribution based and not new style. I didnt know if that affected the linking rule.

poppy123456

Aww thank you, that's very kind of you!! The difference between them both is that New style is a CB benefit only and it can't include an income Related top up.

CBESA can include the Income Related top up.

Looking back at your threads it's definitely New style ESA you're claiming because it's not been possible to claim the old CB since end of December 2018 and your claim started after that.

The linking rules are the same anyway so that part makes no difference.

I was just looking at your previous threads and see that I gave you some advice about claiming UC in one of those threads. Is there any reason why you didn't claim that? Did the really bad experience you have put you off?

The reason I'm asking is because if there's entitlement to UC then I'd advise you to claim this before your ESA ends. By doing this you'll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. You will also have the work allowance, which means that you can receive a certain amount of earnings each month before the deductions apply. If you claim for help with the rent it will be £404/month, if you don't then it will be £673/month. For every £1 of earnings over those amounts your UC will reduce by 55p.

If you're also still claiming daily living PIP then your partner can also claim carers element of UC for looking after you. This will increase your maximum UC entitlement by a further £198.31/month.

It will definitely be worth using a benefits calculator and put both of your earnings into it and see what it comes out with. Please make sure you tick the box where it asks if you're in the Support Group/LCWRA.

By claiming UC if this is entitlement it will give a little more reassurance that you're not just limited to the 12 week linking rules.

Good luck with your job and I really hope it works out for you but please look at UC too.

Klou96

My partner has just had a promotion at his work and is on a really good wage where, if I was to get this job, we’d only get about £60 a month on UC. I also already have someone claiming carers for me (my mum).
The bad experience with UC was part of the reason not to claim, partly because I really do and am in a position, to push myself with work. I worked full time for 5 years and was distraught at leaving, I havent enjoyed 4 years out whatsoever and this job just seems to align well as it avoids everything that caused complications previously in my old job (no customers, its primarily working alone, repetitive tasks everyday so nothing new).
Just to clarify for me a bit, if I was to take this job on for say, 8 weeks and then decide I cant do it, would the NI contributions not come into it or is it only after 12 weeks that the 2-3 year NI threshold comes in? Im just worried if theres a slight gap, theyll use that as an excuse. Ive been on it since October 2020.

poppy123456

I totally understand your reasons for not claiming. My thoughts were only purely to continue with the LCWRA/Support Group, should you continue to work past 12 weeks and then decide you could no longer continue.

For the linking rules the 2 previous tax years are not considered because that claim will be linked to your current claim. You will need to make a new claim but the linking rules will then apply. When you make the new claim it will ask you if you claimed ESA within the last 12 weeks so you tick yes to that.

If there's any issues with that then you can send them the ESA regulation that I linked to above.

Klou96

Thank you for your advice once again Poppy: youre beginning to be on par with my therapist 😂

poppy123456

You're welcome. Haha, I love it 😂