From employed to esa

patricia29

hello all,

I am looking for some advise please. I am full time employed working nights in a transport office I do love my job it’s the thing that keeps me going and give me a purpose somewhere to be and to feel useful. Although the last year it has been a very hard struggle as my pain has got much worse. I now have osteoarthritis in both me knees and also in my spine which has been causing me dibilitating pain recently.
I am off work this week as I cannot even walk. The doctor has given me a new medication that although does ease the pain a little, also makes me feel like I’m in another planet.

I already receive PIP and have a mobility car. My question is or if anyone could advise me that if I’m not able to go back to work would I be able to get ESA and how long would I have to go without pay as my company will not pay company sick pay so it would be statutory sick pay which would not be enough for me to pay my mortgage and bills so I am so worried I live alone and if anyone could advise me as I am worried sick an don’t know what to do.

Thank you in advance and I hope I am allowed to ask this as I am new to the group thank you 🙏🏻

Kimmy87

If you are unable to return to work, you can make a claim for Universal Credit, although SSP would be deducted from any award.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/before-you-apply/Check-if-you-can-get-Universal-Credit/

After SSP ends, you would need to claim NS ESA, again this would be deducted from UC.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/work/sick-leave-and-sick-pay/getting-money-after-your-sick-pay-runs-out/

These are the benefit calculators, where you could try out various scenarios

https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators