Hi, my name is Emma143! Is there any point in claiming ESA alongside UC?

Emma143
Emma143 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
edited October 2022 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Hi, I’m on universal credit, and was told to apply for ESA as my SSP runs out in December and I won’t be going back to work, the trouble is, I’ve read that they deduct ESA from your universal credit, so is there any point claiming as I won’t be any better off. I am also claiming PIP. 

Comments

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    To be able to claim New style ESA you will have needed to have paid the correct amount of NI contributions in tax years April 2019 to March 2021.
    Yes, it's deducted in full from your UC entitlement so there's no financial gain to claiming both. However, the ESA pays class 1 NI and UC pays class 3. The ESA isn't means tested like UC is so savings/capital, working partner and pensions of up to £85/week doesn't affect the amount you're entitled to. It may not be useful now but we can't predict the future, so if entitled then it's worth claiming.

  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    Agreed. It has so many benefits for the future including the savings rule, class 1 credits and in certain circumstances moving abroad etc alongside more frequent payments too which may help you budget better.
  • Emma143
    Emma143 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
    Thank you for your help. I think I might pay citizens of advice a visit. 
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,461 Championing
    Welcome to the community @emma143 :) I can see that poppy123456 and bg844 have already pointed out some of the possible benefits of claiming it alongside UC.

    If you do end up speaking to Citizens Advice about this, please do let us know how you get on!

    It sounds as though you've perhaps been feeling unwell for a little while now- is that right? How are you feeling at the moment?
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    Just to give you a little heads up before you speak to them. They have been known to give some appauling advice and be incorrect at times. The advice you've been given here is correct and i've explained quite well why it's definitely worth claiming both if you qualify for the ESA.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    I wish I had known about new style esa when I finished work no I wouldn't get more money but like advised not means tested 

    I was told only uc existed no other benefits out there 
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    janer1967 said:
    I wish I had known about new style esa when I finished work no I wouldn't get more money but like advised not means tested 

    I was told only uc existed no other benefits out there 

    I did wonder why you didn't claim New style ESA. That's such a shame but there's a lot of people like yourself, sadly.

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