Redundancy / esa

Lisatbs73

Hello im lisa aged 45.
I try to work 25 hours a week in a convenience store but the work and cashier job I do  i am struggling  badly, I have been told a week ago that my boss has sold the business the next day my new bosses arrived. They won't tell us if I still have a job as there is a four week transition period. Ok so my query is I'm registered severely sighted diabetic t1 and have RA. I get high and medium pip. So if I take redundancy (which i dont know if thats an option and ive been there 10 years) can I then apply for esa or something else this is all New to me and I'm very confused. I don't know wot to do can't sleep worrying. Would be grateful for any advice..x

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi Lisa,
Your entitlement to ESA will depend on several things:-
Before even thinking about ESA, check that you are still able to claim is, as some areas are now only able to claim Universal Credit. https://universalcreditinfo.net/

Then if you can claim ESA:-
(1) initially whether your GP will issue you with a sick note, and after a time whether you pass the DWP Work Capability Assessment https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/work-capability-assessment
(2) whether you have paid sufficient National Insurance to claim contributions based (if not you may still be entitled to claim income-related but then there are more restrictions).
(3) If income related (see above) whether there is any other income in your household, meaning you and/or your partner (if you have one) and also what capital/property you have https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/employment-and-support-allowance-contribution-based.
Most redundancy pay counts as capital - therefore if you receive a lump sum payment from work then this is where it may affect you - note only if you are claiming income-related benefit.

The claim line for ESA is 0800 0556688.

Hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Mary