ESA linking rules - can anybody clarify?

Hi,

I was recently transferred from IB to the ESA WRAG with no need for a medical, no doubt due to your excellent and helpful guides. So firstly, thank you!

I would like to know what would happen if I decided I wanted to try a job, and what would happen if I then found it too much to cope with due to my health. I have been trying to read up about 'linking rules' and I understand that if a new claim is within 12 weeks of the old one ending, that a linking rule applies.

What I don't understand is the specifics of it so please bear with me while I ask what probably look like some very stupid questions.

If I sign off ESA due to starting work, then have to apply again, within 12 weeks (i.e. under the linking rule):

Would I still have to get a sick/fit note from my GP?
Would I have to fill in the ESA50 form again?
Would I have to have a medical?
Would it be possible for me to be found 'fit for work' on the new claim despite my previous award of the WRAG?

I know these questions probably sound stupid but I was under the impression that 'linking rule' meant you could just phone up and get straight back on your old award with no assessment or anything. Perhaps that's a bit naive!

Thanks in advance,

CS

Hi CS,

Have you considered :

Permitted Work

I would strongly advise that you seek face to face advice on this before making a commitment.

bro58

Hi Bro58,

Thank you, yes I have considered Permitted Work and am looking into the possibility of doing some work from home under these rules.

Occasionally though I see part time jobs come up that are more than 16 hours/week, and I wonder whether trying a job would be possible. I need that safety net to be there though should it not work out, as I have no idea whether I could cope with such a job.

I spoke to someone from my local Welfare Rights office today, and they said that as long as I were to reclaim ESA within 12 weeks of an old claim ending, I would be able to do a 'rapid reclaim' which the advisor said meant that I would go straight back onto ESA WRAG without filling in the ESA50 or having a medical. However I have read things online about the linking rules that say differently, hence my confusion and my original post! I'm still seeking clarification as still feeling quite confused.

CS