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Claiming ESA Only - First time claim
- VJC
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4 years 10 months ago #249059 by VJC
Claiming ESA Only - First time claim was created by VJC
Hi I have been made redundant in the last week. I have never made any claim for means tested benefit to date. I do however have a 10 year award for PIP both enhanced rates. I was fortunate to be able to work from home with special assistance from my employer and the tolerance and flexibility from them was invaluable. I do not expect to be able to get the same support from future employers (the support I had was unique) and given the current climate with the Pandemic and overall ramifications on job availability, getting a job in the first instance with disabilities I anticipate will be tougher!.
My questions are therefore: Can I claim ESA only and not make an application for UC?
Which type of ESA can I claim; I have paid enough NI to date.
Will the claim affect my PIP award or lead to a review of it in your experience? I have severe mobility issues (use a wheelchair that has to be pushed by someone else & am sight impaired) ?
My initial PIP award, a few years back now, was greatly helped by the invaluable guidance given on this site. So thank you. I had 2 home assessments & even though some of the replies the HP marked were incorrect in places e.g. I cannot see my med box let alone know what I am taking, I only scored 1 point for managing meds. I cannot dress my upper or lower half and only scored points for being unable to dress lower half! I did not challenge this as the awards given were the enhanced rates of both components.
I am rambling now, so your advice re ESA would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks and huge appreciation you provide to all!
My questions are therefore: Can I claim ESA only and not make an application for UC?
Which type of ESA can I claim; I have paid enough NI to date.
Will the claim affect my PIP award or lead to a review of it in your experience? I have severe mobility issues (use a wheelchair that has to be pushed by someone else & am sight impaired) ?
My initial PIP award, a few years back now, was greatly helped by the invaluable guidance given on this site. So thank you. I had 2 home assessments & even though some of the replies the HP marked were incorrect in places e.g. I cannot see my med box let alone know what I am taking, I only scored 1 point for managing meds. I cannot dress my upper or lower half and only scored points for being unable to dress lower half! I did not challenge this as the awards given were the enhanced rates of both components.
I am rambling now, so your advice re ESA would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks and huge appreciation you provide to all!
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- Gordon
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4 years 10 months ago - 4 years 10 months ago #249061 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Claiming ESA Only - First time claim
VJC
You can make a claim for New Style ESA providing you have at least 50 weeks of NI Contributions in both of the Tax Years 2071-18 and 2018-19.
NS ESA is a contributory benefit, not a means tested one. You would be making a claim on the basis that you are not fit for work so you will need to provide a Fit Note from your GP.
However, I would recommend that you put your information into one of the online benefit calculators before you make any claim, you may find that you would receive more money making a claim for Universal Credit.
www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Gordon
You can make a claim for New Style ESA providing you have at least 50 weeks of NI Contributions in both of the Tax Years 2071-18 and 2018-19.
NS ESA is a contributory benefit, not a means tested one. You would be making a claim on the basis that you are not fit for work so you will need to provide a Fit Note from your GP.
However, I would recommend that you put your information into one of the online benefit calculators before you make any claim, you may find that you would receive more money making a claim for Universal Credit.
www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 4 years 10 months ago by Gordon.
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- VJC
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4 years 10 months ago #249067 by VJC
Replied by VJC on topic Claiming ESA Only - First time claim
Many thanks for the advice, much appreciated.With regards to claiming UC, I did not think I could claim as my partner works and earns over the threshold; hence making a claim for NS Employment Support. All a bit daunting. I have paid the correct NI for each tax year you detail and thank you for the link. I feel none the wiser and do not wish to make a mistake, Does my PIP award get looked at? Thank you again
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- Gordon
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4 years 10 months ago #249069 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Claiming ESA Only - First time claim
VJC
It's still worth your using one of the calculators if you are found to be unfit for work then the UC allowance will increase, in fact, the UC rate for the Suppoirt Goup (LCWRA group) is higher the NS ESA.
Your PIP won't be affected whichever you claim.
Gordon
It's still worth your using one of the calculators if you are found to be unfit for work then the UC allowance will increase, in fact, the UC rate for the Suppoirt Goup (LCWRA group) is higher the NS ESA.
Your PIP won't be affected whichever you claim.
Gordon
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- VJC
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4 years 10 months ago #249087 by VJC
Replied by VJC on topic Claiming ESA Only - First time claim
Once again thank you for your brilliant advice and sign posting. So do I have to apply as a couple for UC in the first instance or just as myself? My partner works full time and earns over the weekly amounts stipulated. Thanks again and I hope you have a great afternoon. VJC:
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4 years 10 months ago #249089 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Claiming ESA Only - First time claim
VJC
Just so it is clear, you can apply for NS ESA, UC or NS ESA and UC although the NS ESA will be treated as income and deducted from any UC that is payable.
NS ESA is a claim made in your name only, your partner's income will not affect it.
UC is claimed as a couple, your partner's income will affect the amount payable but this will be dependant on your circumstances and in particular if you are placed in the LCWRA group.
As I said, put your info into one of the calculators to see what you might get for each of the options available.
Gordon
Just so it is clear, you can apply for NS ESA, UC or NS ESA and UC although the NS ESA will be treated as income and deducted from any UC that is payable.
NS ESA is a claim made in your name only, your partner's income will not affect it.
UC is claimed as a couple, your partner's income will affect the amount payable but this will be dependant on your circumstances and in particular if you are placed in the LCWRA group.
As I said, put your info into one of the calculators to see what you might get for each of the options available.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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