has the linking rule completely gone?

Does anyone know what happens if you try to go back to work after ESA then discover you are still too unwell to work? I believe the linking rule might have been phased out.

Dave Evans wrote: Does anyone know what happens if you try to go back to work after ESA then discover you are still too unwell to work? I believe the linking rule might have been phased out.

Hi,

There is still a 12 week linking rule with ESA.

See this extract :

"Linking PLCW

41111 Claimants do not have to serve waiting days if there is a linking PLCW. There is a linking PLCW when a PLCW is separated from another such period by not more than 12 weeks."

(PLCW = Period of Limited Capability for Work)

At 41111 of : DM Guide Ch 41

Therefore, if you attempted work, and found that you could not cope with it within that 12 week period, you would not have to make a fresh claim for ESA.

bro58

Hi,

Just to add,

If your forum name is also your real name, you may wish to change it to maintain some anonymity.

This can be done quite easily by following the instructions on this FAQ:

My full name is showing, how can I stop it?


bro58

Thank you for the prompt reply. Sorry to be a pain, but is the information in the link provided definitely the current iteration of the rules? I've been getting conflicting advice from various sources all day.

Dave Evans wrote: Thank you for the prompt reply. Sorry to be a pain, but is the information in the link provided definitely the current iteration of the rules? I've been getting conflicting advice from various sources all day.

Hi,

The 12 week linking rule is still in force and current.

Recently a relative of mine was in the exactly the scenario that you posed in your first post.

As they had to finish the work within 12 weeks of them closing the ESA claim, due to their health, their claim was reinstated without any problems.

The relative cited the extract from the DM Guide that I have provided.

bro58

Thanks again, the unequivocal advice is very much appreciated. Have a good evening.