Been told I don't have enough NI credits to claim ESA, but can't get advance from UC. What can I do?

vickyla88

Hi I'm after a bit of advice regarding ESA I've been told I haven't earned enough national insurance credits so I'm not eligible to claim and I also can't get an advance from universal credit. I'm really struggling with only having 20p in my account and my mental health has been affected by all of this. I put in a claim for ESA for my mental health and now I don't know what to do 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

Unfortunately if you don't have the ni contributions you are not entitled to esa

Your only option is uc I presume you have applied and waiting for payment 

Have you reported a medical condition in your claim 

vickyla88

Yes I have applied but I cant get an advance because it has passed the assessment period and yes I did 

janer1967

All you can do is wait for the payment unfortunately 

How long is it since you applied 

chiarieds

Hi @vickyla88 - & welcome to the community. I'm sorry to read about your situation, but you might find some help on the following website: https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/emergency-funding.aspx

Kindly let us know how you get on, thank you.

Tori_Scope

Hi @vickyla88 Welcome to the community!

I'm also really sorry to hear about the situation you're in. Do you have enough money to cover the essentials, such as food and rent payments? I know you've said you only have 20p, but do you have any supplies in, and has your rent for this month been paid? When do you usually receive your universal credit payment?

Please do take a look at the link that chiarieds has posted. This contains lots of useful information about how to get by for the time being.

In terms of your mental health- is this something you're receiving any support for? Is your GP aware of your situation?

vickyla88

I'm not due a payment until August 14th my GP is aware of mental health issues 

Emiwatson123

I think, the place to take guidance from will be [removed by moderator - advertising link] They can help you in the best possible way.

poppy123456

@Emiwatson123 advertising isn't allowed on the community. Why would you advertise a loan company with such ridiculously high interest rates anyway?? This is only going to make a persons situation even worse than it already could be.

Tori_Scope

Hi @Emiwatson123,

I've removed the link from your post, as it appeared to be advertising a service. We don't allow advertising here on the community, as outlined in our house rules.