Close ESA claim early and reclaim after 12 weeks

andrew wrote: I am currently receiving CB ESA which is due to end on 1 December. I will not be entitled to IB ESA. Is it possible to close my claim on week 39 or 40 and put in a fresh claim for CB ESA 12 weeks later. I have checked my NI contributions record for 2013-14 and 2014-15 and meet both of the contributions criteria,

Thanks in advance for any help

In principle yes, the claims must be separated by at least 12 weeks or the new one will be considered a continuation of the current one and the claim must be made (keeping it simple) this calendar year or the Tax Years will change.

This will be a completely new claim for ESA, new ESA50 and likely a face to face assessment, so you of course run the risk of being found Fit for Work although you would have a right of appeal.

Gordon

andrew wrote: Many thanks for your quick response. If Dwp ask me why I am closing my claim early what is the best answer to give?

It shouldn't make any difference what reason you give them, but perhaps you want to look at working!

Gordon