Going abroad for medical treatment

RSISolutions

I'm considering going abroad for medical treatment. I'm not sure how long I will go for. At least 1 month and probably up to 3 months. Im currently in receipt of ESA (waiting for ESA appeal). Am I entitled to a benefit whilst I'm abroad receiving medical treatment ? 

gnmeads

Hi RSISolutions welcome to the Scope community
I think you can carry on getting contribution-based ESA for up to 26 weeks if you’re going abroad for medical treatment for yourself or your child but i'm not sure if it's income based. Take a look at this: 
https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad/illness-injury-benefits

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi RSISolutions,

There are a few answers to this question depending on your circumstances.

1. You can continue to be entitled to ESA whilst abroad indefinitely if your absence is for NHS treatment at a hospital or other institution outside Great Britain.
2. You can continue to be entitled to ESA whilst abroad for the first four weeks for any reason, if your absence is unlikely to exceed 52 weeks.
3. You can continue to be entitled to ESA whilst abroad for the first 26 weeks, if your absence is unlikely to exceed 52 weeks and is solely in connection with arrangements made to treat your disease or disablement which is which is directly related to your limited capability for work or that of a child you are accompanying.

Lee

RSISolutions

I am currently on income based employment support allowance. Does this make a difference to the answer? 

gnmeads

I think it does but if I were you I would call the ESA helpline: 0345 608 8545. The line will tell you it's the job centre but give it a chance and I think you'll find it more helpful than the normal Lines
Please get back to me if you have any more problems

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi,

No difference, Lee is talking about income-based ESA here - conditions remain the same re household income/capital/etc

Mary

RSISolutions

Hi @BenefitsTrainingCo. If I go abroad for medical treatment that is not being paid for by the NHS, but will help me to gain future employment, and will be provied by qualified medics, will I get ESA and MIP benefits?