Ssp ending - new style esa

Hi team. I have advised my friend to apply for esa as her statutory sick pay is due to end & unfortunately she has been diagnosed with a chronic illness & is unable to return to work. She has has some confusing information from her employer who is telling her to hand in her notice so that they can complete a form on her behalf so that she can continue to receive some payment from them ??? I have advised her that I think she should make an esa application which will be contribution based. The only form I can think the employer means is an ssp1 . But I can't see how this could substitute a claim. I just wanted to check I'm giving her the correct information. Thank you.
Also how would she know whether to claim the normal esa or the new style ?

Thank you Gary,
This is most useful.
I have just checked the New Style ESA information & the Form and I can see that there are no health questions for the applicant to answer directly (as I was expecting as per the old system).
It says that that an appointment has to be made at the local Jobcentre for this. Could you advise what the person is to do if they are not well enough to attend the Jobcentre.
Thank you.

Hi Team
On the same subject, would you be able to give some indication of what the first appointment
at the Jobcentre would involve. (whereby the NSESAF1 FORM would be submitted).
Is it likely to be quite straightforward..? I need to ascertain whether or not my friend will be well
enough to be able to deal with it. I understand that the ESA50 Form will need to be completed at a later date.
Thank you.