Will I get ESA if I make a claim?

dilloyd

Hi IV just been diagnosed with cervical dystonia which is a neurological disorder, I'm waiting to have Botox therapy, but in the meantime I am in a lot of pain which is exacerbated by working. I am a bank health support worker so don't have sick pay etc etc, iv cut my hours down but am still struggling, am I likely to get ESA if I make a claim?

poppy123456

HI and welcome,

To be entitled to New style ESA you must have paid enough NI Contributions from working in the tax years April 2017 to March 2019. This pays £73.10 per week.

If you haven't paid enough then to be eligible for Universal Credit will depend on your circumstances, such as savings/capital and living with a partner that works. As it's a means tested benefit living with a partner means you'll need to claim as a couple. Any savings/capital of more than £16.000 and you won't be entitled to UC. Savings of £6.000 and over will reduce your UC by £4.35 per month for every £250 over that amount.

Hope this helps but it's difficult to advise without more information.

janer1967

Hello and welcome to the community. I see you have been given some advice already and I hope this helps resolve your query

dilloyd

Hi thanks for replying, yes I have paid enough NI contributions, is 73.10 the total amount I would get to live on, I don't have a partner, can't see how I would live off that ?

poppy123456

That's all the ESA you will receive until you're assessed. If you're placed into the support group you'll receive extra money from the 14th week of your claim and it will be £111.65 per week (total) It's only paid for 1 year unless you're placed into the Support Group.

Council tax reduction needs to be claimed from your local council.

If you need help with your rent then you'll need to claim Universal Credit for this. If you claim UC and New style ESA together then your New style ESA will be deducted £1 for £1 from your UC amount. Savings/capital will apply for UC as advised above.

If you own your own home and have a mortgage then you will need to speak to your mortgage provider.

Also look at claiming PIP, it's not means tested. It's not awarded based on a diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect your ability to carry out daily activity based on the PIP descriptors. A successful claim could take several months, possibly longer.

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/