Going back to work - with health conditions and disability

Apollo14LMP

Hello all,

In a bit of a dilemma,

I have been out of work since 2012 when I left a good position at the NHS due to my health.

Struggled like many to get ESA & DLA then PIP. Been through hell with the DWP with fake assessments etc like many others. I get ESA IR and Enhanced PIP (Both), small pension NHS 238.00 a month ... 

Im 59 and still in bad health Osteoarthritis (generalised), Gout, Frozen shoulder, hypertension, PTSD, anxiety and numerous other issues.

I dont feel well enough to go to work but things are so difficult financially I have looked at various things I could do working from home perhaps.  

In the final stages of Civil Service selection for hybrid post work from home a lot of the time.

Keen to hear from anyone who has re entered the workplace in similar circumstances

I am worried I could take the job - EO £25759 to start plus pension - 2638.00, and my full PIP.

Clearly taking this job would take me off ESA - and would I be better off

I currently get £492 ESA, £627 PIP, HB £460, and CT tax reduction £125 wife gets Carers for me £67 a week ... 

I have estimated my salary to be £1902 a month plus £238 pension and my PIP would be £627.00 - minus rent. c tax reduction

My worries are I could become worse health wise ... if Im off ill I could be throwing my self into poverty if I could not keep up at work .. and the DWP Experience AGAIN !

Working the job would probably be more money - unless I become unwell which happens.

If I could be stable at work, I could increase my income by doing some private tuition part time as I have teaching certificate and first-class science degree. This could create health issues due to stress etc ...  I cannot do this at present due to ESA rules

Despite that I dont know what to do or where to go for advice ... 

Worries are health, coping after being out of work so long ... but hate the benefit system really ...

Would my PIP get stopped?  I know people working are treated less in need or indeed ill as they are working 

Any comments and advice would be helpful and thank you
 

poppy123456

There are people that claim PIP and work but if the work you do contradicts the reasons why you're claiming PIP then it can go against you when it's time for your review.

For the ESA, you correctly stated that this amount of earnings would mean your ESA will close and end. If the worst happens and you couldn't continue to work because of your health condition then you won't be able to reclaim ESA and it would be Universal Credit you would need to claim and you will need to go through the work capability assessment again.

You would also need to report the changes to your local Authority for HB and CTR. If the HB ends you would not be able to reclaim it anytime in the future, unless you live in either supported or temporary housing.

There's another option of using a benefits calculator to check entitlement to UC and using the figures for your earnings before you start work. You could then claim UC while still being entitled to ESA and your Support Group award would mean that you'll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim. UC is based on earnings received during your assessment period so there maybe some entitlement. Your pension would reduce your UC £1 for £1.

At least this way if the work doesn't suit you and you're unable to continue at least you won't need to go through the work capability assessment again.