ESA and going back to work

Rachael12345

Hi. I’ve filled in a health assessment form to claim contribution based ESA. I work 16 hours per week and couldn’t claim statuatory sick pay because I didn’t have enough contributions from the previous 8 week. It’s been 4 weeks now and I haven’t had any money yet. Could I cancel my claim and return to work? 

poppy123456

You can ring ESA and tell them you're returning to work. If you were entitled to New style ESA for the weeks you were off work and sent a fit note to support your claim then you should be paid any money that's owed.

calcotti

If you are still working 16 hours per week you are not eligible for ESA. You have to be working less than 16 hours and earn not more than £152/week.

Rachael12345

Hi. I was working 16 hours a week , but had a sick note for the past nine weeks. I’m feeling better now so would like to go back to work and cancel my claim when I start work again. But wondered if I’d still get paid for the past nine weeks. Thanks 

calcotti

Rachael12345 said: But wondered if I’d still get paid for the past nine weeks. Thanks 

You should.

Rachael12345

Thank you. I really hope so it’s been a long time with very little money.

poppy123456

Rachael12345 said:

But wondered if I’d still get paid for the past nine weeks. Thanks 

Yes, providing you paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021.

calcotti

poppy123456 said:..providing you paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021.

I should have included that in my reply.

poppy123456

calcotti said:

poppy123456 said:..providing you paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021.

I should have included that in my reply.

No worries. I sometimes miss information out when i should have included it.

Rachael12345

Thanks. I was furloughed for some of that time . Will that effect my NI contributions ?

calcotti

Rachael12345 said:

Thanks. I was furloughed for some of that time . Will that effect my NI contributions ?

It depends how much you were being paid. If you were earning more than £120/week you will have contributions, if less than that you won't.

Rachael12345

Thanks. I should be okay.

L_Volunteer

I hear the should @Rachael12345. Is there anything else we can do to support you further? We are here for you. You don't have to face this, or anything else, alone if you don't want to 

Rachael12345

Hi. I’ve had the news today that I won’t be able to claim ESA as I haven’t enough NI contributions for the relevant years. I’d need to pay around £540 to make up this shortfall. I’m not sure that by paying it would help anyway. Anyone have any ideas ? Thanks 

poppy123456

Unless you were self employed then you won't be able to pay class 2 for the missing gaps. You will only be able to pay class 3 and this doesn't entitle you to New style ESA.

Rachael12345

Thank you Poppy. Much appreciated. I’m not self employed. I’ll be going back to work sooner than I thought 🙄

poppy123456

Then the only other benefit will be Universal Credit. Whether you qualify will depend on your circustances. If you live with a partner you need to claim as a couple and your joint circumstances will be taken into consideration because it's a means tested benefit.

You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. First payment will be 1 month and 6 days after you first claimed. You can request an advance payment once you've claimed but this will need to be repaid back from future payments. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator/Intro/Home?cid=6b818c3d-9173-4c1a-8add-483705b04419