Hi, my name is sammy01! 3 years ago I was turned down for ESA

sammy01
sammy01 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
edited April 2022 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Hello all, I am new to this group. I would like to ask you all for advice. 3yrs ago i was turned down for esa, a very horrendous ordeal..I have Sapho Syndrome, which affects my ability to work. 
I rang again recently to start claim again, they told me as it has been 3yrs and I have paid no national insurance,
 I cannot claim. The only reason I haven't paid any is because they turned me down. 
What a catch 22 they have put me in, do you think it is worth me fighting this , because I know how draining the process is. HELP. 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 62,394 Championing
    Hi,
    New style ESA is a contributions based only benefit and claiming this depends on your NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021. If you haven't worked during this time then unfortunately, you won't be entitled to it.
    No, there's no point challenging this decision because you're not entitled to it because of the lack of NI contributions.
    You can check entitlement to Universal Credit but because it's a means tested benefit then claiming it will depend on your circumstances. If you live with a partner you claim as a couple.

  • sammy01
    sammy01 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Thanks Poppy for information and feedback. Unfortunately not intitled to U/C either.  
     
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 62,394 Championing
    If you were found fit for work 3 years ago then you could have challenged that decision. Unfortunately, you're out of time for that now.

  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,005 Championing
    As poppy says, you are out of time to challenge the original decision and the decision to refuse to pay you ESA now is correct, because you fail the NI requirements.

    You may still wish to claim ESA and go through the WCA again because if found to have LCW or LCWRA that will get you Class 1 NI credits to build up your pension entitlement. However before putting yourself through that get a pension forecast to see if you need additional years.
  • sammy01
    sammy01 Online Community Member Posts: 4 Listener
    Yes Poppy I know I could have challenged it then ,I went through the appeal process straight away. To be honest I was so disheartened and upset I did not have the energy to fight anymore. The whole trauma of going through the assessment and being turned down after I talked about very intimate details put me through hell. Only now have I begun to believe in myself again. I have never had to talk and speak to a stranger before about my illness and how it effects me, it was and still is very personal.  But as usual it all about ticking boxes, so forgive me if didn't have the back bone to go to a tribunal. 
  • ShirleyW
    ShirleyW Online Community Member Posts: 353 Empowering
    Have you tried to claim PIP (Personal Independance Payment)?

    PIP is not means tested so it doesn't matter what your financial circumstances are.

    Before completing the form read up and learn about how PIP works and how it might apply to yourself.
    This is a good place to start:
    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/


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