ESA - So many questions

InAPickle

I receive the higher rates of both PIP elements. We don’t qualify for UC due to my husband’s earnings at £38k p/a.

My GP has asked me to look into ill-health early retirement. I’m not particularly keen on this, I can still work a little bit so wish to know more about ESA & the disability component. My anxiety is sky high (I have C-PTSD and high functioning anxiety as well as many complex muscular-skeletal conditions) and the thought of regular re-assessments means I won’t even apply in the first place.

If anyone has the time or inclination to let me know the application process and what’s involved I would be really grateful.

Thankyou.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @InAPickle, welcome to the community. It can be daunting applying for this kind of thing, especially if you already struggle with anxiety. I hope we can help a little!

You can apply for New Style ESA online on their website. There's lots of information here in case that's useful to you: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance-detailed-guide#overview

Scope have some helpful information too: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/employment-and-support-allowance

All the things you'll need to apply are listed in the guide, but it's things like your NI number, doctors details, bank details, usually a fit note and some ID. As things get set up, you may need to have an appointment to talk about your claim, usually over the phone. And they will probably ask you to provide regular fit notes if you're unable to work.

After applying, you will need to have a work capability assessment to put you into the correct group (likely the support group if you have health issues). You'll be sent a form to fill in and return providing details about your health. After this, it can sometimes take a while to get a date through for assessment depending on how long the backlog is at the time and you'll usually be on a lower rate until you get a decision. At the assessment they'll ask some further questions about your health and decide which group is most suitable for you.

ESA reassessment rates can vary from person to person. If your condition is unlikely to change or improve, it can be years between assessments. There can often also be assessment backlogs that mean you're not assessed as often too. I hope some of our members might be able to share how often they've been assessed so you can get an idea and make the right decision for you.

You can work while on ESA, but there are some limits on how many hours and what you can earn. There's some information about that here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet

If you have any more questions please do let us know. Lots of our members have been through these systems before so I'm sure they'd be happy to offer some advice ☺️

luvpink

@InAPickle

Hi welcome to the community.

Ill health retirement can be a long and very stressful process.

In order to be granted it, you would need the full support of an occupational health Doctor ,proof that all reasonable adjustments had been tried and failed and that you are unable to carry out any form of employment.

InAPickle

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1124211#Comment_1124211

Thankyou. It was my GP and Rheumatologist both independently who suggested I should consider early retirement. Whilst I had thought of it, I didn’t want to believe I was ‘that’ sick.

Time to seriously look into it I guess.

Thankyou to you both.