Can i apply UC and then new style ESA?

Pirri

Hello,

I recieve PIP for my health disability. I am struggling financially especially with the rise of cost of living crisis. I tried to apply for ESA, however, I was told that I am not eligible because I havent worked. They (PIP) also reduced my payment although I told them my sickness is so severe that it causes me to pass out.

I wanted to know can i apply for UC and then eventually new style ESA?

Will this effect my PIP?

Im also unable to leave the house due to my health, would they force me in for an interview/seeking jobs? I am too sick for this.

Please advise, and what can I do to ensure I get my payments, I am genuinely sick, all witnessed and documented with the health professionals.

Kimmy87

You can apply for UC this is means tested and based on household income including a partner if you live with one.

Even if you get UC you still can't get ESA as new claims require NI Contributions which you don't have.

You won't lose out on not getting NS ESA as it's deducted in full from UC award for those that get both.

When you apply for UC you need to report your health conditions and submit a Fit Note ASAP-ideally within 7 days of submitting your claim, and keep supplying them without gaps.

On day 29 your work coach should refer you to the assessment provider for the assessment and you'll receive a UC50 form to fill out and return. Then you wait for as assessment appointment, most people have them.

If found to have LCW then no extra money is paid and there will be some work activity to undertake (short of applying for jobs).

If found to have LCWRA, extra money is payable after the waiting period (three full assessment periods, it's very important for this that Fit Notes have been supplied continuously with no gaps, none that are backdated). And you'll have no work commitments.

Unfortunately your PIP award has no bearing on the UC WCA process.

Your PIP is unaffected by any UC award.

When was the decision made to downgrade your PIP, have you appealed?

Jimm_Scope

Hi @Pirri, welcome to the community 🙂

Kimmy has brought up some great points but I also wanted to ask when did you receive this PIP decision? It seems like you don't think your PIP award should have been lowered.

If it was within the last 13 months you can still appeal the decision with a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR). We have an advice section on it here: Appealing a benefits decision | Disability charity Scope UK

If the MR does not go in your favour there is then a tribunal appeal as the above link explains.