Holiday

Hi,
I am after some advice. I was made redundant August 7th 2019. I was of sick prior to this due to being admitted into hospital and was still of sick at the time of being made redundant.
I decided that due to my Health over the last 9 years I wanted to take some time out, but my Health has continued to still cause me problems. I am aware that there are other people out there that are worse than me. But at the moment I am in my own little Bubble.
Still not knowing what I want to do or what I am going to be able to do, I decided to take an offer up of going to Portugal for 4 months to just chill and get my thoughts together. I may not be out there for that long, depends if I have to come back for an operation that I was told yesterday I would need. I may even not want to be there

I recently found out that I only have 39 years of National Insurance contributions. I have been told that I need 42. I panicked and phoned up the Benefits office to find out where I stood.

I have been advised that If I get a Statement of Fitness For work and get it back dated 3 months then I need to apply for New ESA as it would cover my National Insurance due to me not able to work at present .

My doctor agreed to doing this but said she will do it up till when I go away. And that when I come back I can have another one.

I only phoned the Benefits up today, so I am a bit worried if this will be put in place by the 18th March. If not where do I stand,

Thank you for taking time to read this and hope some one can advice.

Hi Gary

Thanks for getting back to me .. sorry I’ve not replied sooner .
Looking back on what I wrote “ I did ramble on a bit “ when really I think I could have put it in one sentence .
“ am I entitled to ESA if I go abroad for 3 months “


Thanks Lorraine

Thank you Gary for getting back to me .

Lorraine