Self Employed About to get Surgery

julieGC81
julieGC81 Online Community Member Posts: 1 Listener
edited 11:44AM in Universal Credit (UC)

I am self employed for 5 years (pay taxes and NI if full) and I’m due surgery in 2 weeks and I’ll get signed off work for 6 weeks (which I plan to take).

Am I able to claim ESA for those 6 weeks? If yes, what do I need to consider and what do I do to get this started. If no, can I get other financial support?

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  • OverlyAnxious
    OverlyAnxious Online Community Member Posts: 3,746 Championing
    edited 11:05AM

    Hi,

    You should be able to claim New Style ESA for those 6 weeks. You will need to supply a fit note within 7 days of starting the claim so can't do it in advance. You can apply for New Style ESA online here. And will be contacted for an assessment soon after that.

    New Style Employment and Support Allowance - GOV.UK

    New Style ESA does not take savings into account, it is a non-means tested benefit that is only reliant on NI contributions as you are already aware. If you have less than £16,000 in savings then you may also be entitled to some Universal Credit. (This may still apply when you return to work if income is low.)

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