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ESA, working part-time with AS/ADHD

  • jr1985
  • Topic Author
12 years 11 months ago #57296 by jr1985
ESA, working part-time with AS/ADHD was created by jr1985
Hello,

I am 25 years old and work part-time in a supermarket (12 hours per week or so). I am diagnosed with AS/ADHD, and also have depression and anxiety. This impairs my ability to communicate and socialise, and my memory, concentration, etc. I currently receive DLA for the care my parents provide for me.

While I can usually manage 12 hours, I don't feel like I could cope with working much more or even full-time. Working with people (customers and co-workers) is mentally draining and I'm usually really fatigued at the end of my shift, which can sometimes trigger my depression.

I was wondering if it would be worth applying for ESA? Or will they think if I can work 12 hours, then I can work full stop?

I know there is "permitted work" up to 16 hours/£95 per week, but is this any work, or some special Job Centre approved work?

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12 years 11 months ago #57301 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:ESA, working part-time with AS/ADHD
jr1985

I'm not sure I can give you a clear yes or no on this question :)

There is no clear definition of what the DWP consider as a minimum number of hours a fit person should be able to work, however, being able to work for 12 hours a week with your disabilities, is certainly going to raise questions should you apply for ESA.

Turning the situation around, if someone already in receipt of ESA was to ask about doing this amount of Permitted Work, we would certainly reccomend they re-consider, unless their aim was a return to work in the short to mid term.

Have you looked at the ESA descriptors to see whether you would score enough points to be eligible for ESA. We have an online test you can take that will give you an idea, I would suggest you answer the questions baring in mind the work you currently do.

The link to the test is at the bottom of the this page.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/employment-and...e/start-the-esa-test

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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  • rowland
12 years 11 months ago #57306 by rowland
Replied by rowland on topic Re:ESA, working part-time with AS/ADHD
Another possibility would be to apply for income support as this is available for people on part time work/on a low income?

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  • jr1985
  • Topic Author
12 years 11 months ago #57338 by jr1985
Replied by jr1985 on topic Re:ESA, working part-time with AS/ADHD
Well I posted a reply but it either wasn't allowed by mod or it didn't work.

Basically, the ESA test said I would be eligible. I scored 36 points.

Is there any other typ of support available? For instance, if you earn under what the government says you need to live on? Not sure what that amount actually is.

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12 years 11 months ago #57341 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Re:ESA, working part-time with AS/ADHD
jr1985

As Rowland has suggested you might qualify for Income support because of low income.

Tax credits require a minimum of 16 hours a week, so they won't be applicable.

I would nornally say that that you have nothing to lose by applying for ESA, but as a number of forum members have found out, a failure with an ESA claim has impacted on their DLA, so this is decision you need to think about.

In the short term, my best advice is for you to see to a professional advisor at your local CAB or Welfare Rights office, they can look at your situation in more detail than we can on the forum, and therefore offer more detailed advice.

Gordon

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