Esa

brooster

Hi all,
I am currently self employed waiting for fusion surgery on ankle and cartilage surgery on knee hopefully will both be done at same time.
I can only work 20 hours a week and will be off for at least 3 months my wife is retired and
 I am wondering if I can claim esa for the duration of my recovery can only work now with pain killers any help advice appreciated.
Many thanks
Lee

CockneyRebel

hi brooster and welcome

Here is the link to gov site

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

CR

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hello brooster

CR has already passed on the Scope ESA link.  I hope this was useful.

Just to add the starting point maybe if you are eligible for contributory or income related ESA.  If it is contributory as you have paid sufficient national insurance contributions then your wife's income will have no impact on your benefit entitlement.  If you haven't paid sufficient NI contributions and you are eligible for income reacted ESA then any retirement income e.g. pensions that your wife receives may reduce entitlement. 

Maria