NEW STYLE ESA HELP

lpm2008

Hello, I was wondering if someone could help me. 

I was on income related ESA for three years until February this year. I tried to go back to work in February and I managed twelve weeks until my health happened to get worse and I had to leave employment.

I was advised to apply for universal credit as I had just missed the 12 week rapid reclaim date. Is there anyway DWP would help if it’s just out the 12 weeks?

I have since applied for new style ESA. I have no breaks in my national insurance record but have only had credits to my record for the last 3 years. Am I right in thinking I won’t be entitled to it? I just can’t seem to get my head around it. 

Many thanks 

janer1967

Hi and welcome to the community 

I doubt dwp will consider changing the rules around the 12 weeks there has to be a cut off somewhere 

As you thought you won't be entitled to new style esa 

calcotti

lpm2008 said:

I have since applied for new style ESA. I have no breaks in my national insurance record but have only had credits to my record for the last 3 years. Am I right in thinking I won’t be entitled to it?

That's correct, you will not be entitled to receive new style ESA. If you are applying for UC then applying for ns-ESA makes no difference anyway as even if paid it would simply be deducted from the UC.

Unfortunately you will have to go through a new Work Capability assessment under UC and will have to wait until the fourth payment before you can get the LCWRA element even if it was awarded.

poppy123456

When you claim UC you will need to report your health condition and make sure you send your first fit note within 7 days. You will need to continue to send them without any gaps until a decision's been made on the WCA.

celyn

Can you end your claim with UC and then claim new style esa? I am in a similar situation , and basically universal credit is the pits of despair , I have read a few posts here that say dwp makes desicions and not our doctors in what world is that fair?? Doctors study for years and now their opinion counts for nothing I feel so depressed it’s certainly not a world to become ill in .

calcotti

celyn said:

Can you end your claim with UC and then claim new style esa? 

New style ESA is a contribution based benefit. You are only able to receive new style ESA if you meet the NI qualifying requirements for the tax years 2019-20 and 2020-21.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/employment-and-support-allowance-contribution-based

If you meet these conditions you can claim ESA alongside UC. The ESA will be reduced from the UC.

The Work Capability Assessment for ESA and UC is the same.

poppy123456

celyn said:

Can you end your claim with UC and then claim new style esa?

It's already been advised that they won't be entitled to New Style ESA because they haven't worked in the previous 2 tax years.