What is the difference between ESA and capability to work ?

laucorfu

Hi I am new here and very confused about my benefits. I have been off work since May, I am trying to get sickness benefit of some kind. What is the difference between ESA and capability to work ? I have a for uc50 to fill in, but it is really confusing and most of the questions don't see to apply to me. I am off work for Depression, anxiety, ptsd and alcohol dependcy. I cannot seem to get a straight answer it has taken this long to get a form and even my work coach says there has been a glitch with my claim. Thank you

Tarpuk4

Hi 
If you are experiencing difficulty filling in form, go to your local council and ask for an appointment with a benefits advisor/officer.
They  will provide you with assistance and fill out the form with you.
Hope this helps.
Also if there has been a glitch with your claim, they need to hurry up and pay you your back pay too. 

laucorfu

I am hoping so ! thank you

steve51

Lahore @laucorfu

Welcome to our online community/family ✅

Yes the Benefit System can look very daunting to be honest.

I would be more than happy in helping you with things if that would help?????

@steve51  

thespiceman

Hello @laucorfu   Pleased to meet you welcome.

Thank you for joining and sharing. Benefits are confusing and complex.

I am one of the team of community champions who help and advise new members who join.

One suggestion is to speak to CAB as well.  As been suggested Council Benefit advisors. Often having some one in front of you explain the benefits you have issues or problems with . Can be a lot easier to understand.

Hope that helps.

We have information on our website on benefits if that may help you further.

Please ask any questions. Always some one who knows or can help.

Please take care.

@thespiceman

laucorfu

If you could clarify that LCWRA is what I should claim, I think esa doesn't happen anymore ? I have the form uc50 so will give that a go, I have to say it's not the easiest ! thank you

steve51

Hi @laucorfu

I have found some info on “LCWRA”

https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/Long-term-health-condition-or-disability-Universal-Credit

Please please let me know if there’s anything else that I can help you with?

@steve51

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @laucorfu

You may find our Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) page useful. 

Please let us know if you have any questions.

worried33

The main difference is your obligations.

Essentially you will be in one of 3 categories.

1 - fit for work (aka JSA)
2 - LCW (aka ESA WRAG)
3 - LCWRA (aka ESA SG)

If fit for work, you are expected to look for jobs, apply for jobs and ultimately become employed, they can if they want put you on the work program and make you do work related activity.
If LCW, they can make you do activities that are considered to be preparing to go back to work such as working on your CV and attending work focused interviews.
If LCWRA there is currently no mandated activities.