How does this all work?

Feefa12
Feefa12 Online Community Member Posts: 18 Listener
edited September 2022 in Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
I've been in employment since late 1980s but off sick for 7 months due to a head injury which is also aggravating my upper spine/neck osteoarthritis. My employer is not paying SSP now, so employer gave me my SSP1 form.
I made a claim for contribution ESA but think it comes under the general banner of New Style ESA. How will they know that I don't want to claim for Income based ESA, but just Contribution ESA?
I filled out the online claim form and called to ask if they wanted all my evidence such as scan reports and sick lines but they said, wait till someone calls you.
I got a text saying I have a phone interview. Why do I need this interview if it's contribution ESA I'm claiming for? What will they ask? I hope someone can help.

Comments

  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Hi and welcome to the community 

    New style esa is only contribution base you can no longer apply for incind based that is a legacy benefit 

    All claimants have initial interview to discuss claim 

    Once you'd claim is active and you have provided fit note you will be referred for a work capability assessment and sent a firm esa50 to complete and send back with your supporting evidence 

    You will then have an assessment and a decision on your fitness to work and be put into a work group eg support group if successful 

    You need to provide continuous fit notes till z decision is made 
  • calcotti
    calcotti Online Community Member Posts: 10,001 Championing
    Your initial appointment is to confirm various details and you will have to agree a claimant commitment.
  • Lottgelady
    Lottgelady Online Community Member Posts: 19 Contributor
    My daughter has recently claimed UC and has been put in Support Group, but hasn't worked for years, been a student, so how would that work if it is all Contributory now?
  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    edited September 2022
    Lottagelady said:
    My daughter has recently claimed UC and has been put in Support Group, but hasn't worked for years, been a student, so how would that work if it is all Contributory now?
    It is called LCWRA not the Support Group on Universal Credit. She will not be eligible if she hasn’t worked for years and she’s not any better off if she did claim anyway. The reason people choose to claim New-Style ESA is because you can have as much in savings as you like and it gives better NI contributions.
  • janer1967
    janer1967 Online Community Member Posts: 21,922 Championing
    Uc is different and a means tested benefit you dint need to have worked b4 

    Esa is only for those who have paid the required ni contributions in the previous 2 tax years and have a medical condition 

    You can claim uc without a medical condition but can also be referred for work capability assessment if unable to work for medical reasons 
  • Lottgelady
    Lottgelady Online Community Member Posts: 19 Contributor
     ... yes and if on ESA are stuffed regarding fuel bills - everyone and his wife have had 650 quid except me and a few other no doubt - got a £1500 + bill and haven't had winter yet  :'(
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 64,463 Championing
    Lottagelady said:
     ... yes and if on ESA are stuffed regarding fuel bills - everyone and his wife have had 650 quid except me and a few other no doubt

    Those that are claiming either New style ESA or the old contributions based weren't entitled to the £650 because those benefits are not means tested. A person can claim those regardless of their circumstances such as savings/capital, pensions of up to £85/week and living with a partner that works.
    As you're daughter is claiming UC she will not be in the Support Group because that's ESA. She maybe entitled to the next CoL payment of £324 but she will need to wait until the criteria is announced.
  • chiarieds
    chiarieds Online Community Member Posts: 16,688 Championing
    Hi @Lottagelady - Scope may be able to advise over your fuel bill. Please see: https://www.scope.org.uk/disability-energy-support/  Their contact details are given at the bottom of the page, or click on the link given.

  • Lottgelady
    Lottgelady Online Community Member Posts: 19 Contributor
    Thank you - are you actually able to liaise with BG on my behalf by any chance?
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,456 Championing
    That's not something we'd be able to do personally, unfortunately @lottagelady. I'm not sure whether this is a service our Disability Energy Support service provide or not. 
  • bg844
    bg844 Online Community Member Posts: 3,883 Championing
    I still think the advise service sounds great regardless.
  • Feefa12
    Feefa12 Online Community Member Posts: 18 Listener
    edited September 2022
    Thank you everyone for replies. It makes a bit more sense now. I'm still a bit nervous about the phone interview thing. I've never had one before but hope it goes ok.
  • Tori_Scope
    Tori_Scope Scope Posts: 12,456 Championing
    It's quite normal to feel nervous, but I hope it all goes smoothly @feefa12 :)