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Wanting to attempt employment, if it doesn't work would ESA be hard to get back?

JITENDRAJITENDRA Member Posts: 2 Listener
edited July 2018 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
hello everyone
I am new here so a bit nervous 
What I would like to know is that I am a mental health service user and I am on ESA in a support group. I have been on it for more than 12 years and today, I would like to find out about the option if I go into work. I am also getting DLA but I think work will help me to get out of my house and reduce isolation. but I am too scared to take that step, what if I didn't like the job and found it too stressful. if the work don't work for me and if I come off the benefits, it would really put me in terrible position. any advice?
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Replies

  • Chloe_ScopeChloe_Scope Scope Posts: 10,653 Disability Gamechanger
    Hi @JITENDRA and a very warm welcome to the community! Thank you for joining :) This does seem like a difficult decision but it is great that it is something that you are thinking about. I hope the community can advise you further. You may find the mental health, employment, ESA and DLA boards particularly helpful :)
    Also, have you looked at the Scope's employment service? They may be able to advise a little more.
    If you do need anything else then please do not hesitate to ask! :)
    Scope

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  • tharathara Posts: 49 Member
    Honestly be flexible and careful. Have you looked at disability employment services? They should be able to help you find a good job. Feel free to ask any other questions here. Good luck with your job hunting. Hopefully you’ll find something soon. What are your skills and abilities? 
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  • poppy123456poppy123456 Member Posts: 22,218 Disability Gamechanger
    Have you thought about permitted work? You can work less than 16 hours per week and still keep your ESA. This way you can at least try working and if you can't cope then you can stop and your ESA won't be affected. If you stopped claiming ESA and started working now and you couldn't cope and your area is a full Universal Credit area then a rapid reclaim for ESA may not be possible.

    Check what's in your area here.

    Proud winner of the 2019 empowering others award. This award was given for supporting disabled people and their families for the benefit advice I have given to members here on the community.
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  • JITENDRAJITENDRA Member Posts: 2 Listener
    Thanks everyone for your comment, really appreciate and you are right, have to be very careful

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