If this is your first visit, check out the community guide. You will have to Join us or Sign in before you can post.
Receiving too many notifications? Adjust your notification settings.
What is the difference between ESA and capability to work ?

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
Replies
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.
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
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
SCOPE Volunteer Award Engaging Communities 2019
Mental Health advice, guidance and information to all members
Nutrition, Diet, Wellbeing, Addiction.
Recipes
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
You may find our Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) page useful.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
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.