Hi all, was wondering if anyone could help?

I have had an anxiety disorder for over 5 years and have been unable to work/socialise/do ordinary things during this time (I have not sought any benefits, ever)

I have been seeing a therapist for the past 6 months and am making progress, slowly starting to re-integrate into society. I expect to have made even more progress in 13 weeks, provided I continue to put in the work necessary to recover.

Some support (both financial/support groups) would be inordinately beneficial to me at this period of my recovery - not in 13 weeks time where I perhaps won't be eligible. If I had the extra support now I feel like I could make faster progress.

Is any support available in the meantime? Before 13 weeks - by then I'll (hopefully) be at a different stage of my recovery?

Thanks

Hi Onice and welcome to the forum. On the assumption that you are also new to the site, this link should help you find your way around.

Welcome to Benefits and Work

Once you initiate an ESA claim, and back it up with a 'fit note', you will be eligible for payment at the basic rate (as long as you meet the NI contribution or the income/asset rules). This payment would continue until you were assessed and either awarded long-term ESA or found fit for work. In practice, it usually takes far longer than 13 weeks to get the assessment and decision.

Have a look at our ESA guides which explain the process in more detail.

ESA claims and appeals

Thanks Mrs Hurtyback,

I am new the the site, and all this information about benefits, just trying to get my head around it all.

Just making my way through some of the Guides at the moment. Unfortunately, I don't think I will meet the NI contribution rules, as I have only worked 6 months in my life (I was a full-time student before I developed this anxiety disorder and not working then).

I guess the best I can do is just try to put forward a solid claim and hope for the best.

onice wrote: Thanks Mrs Hurtyback,

I am new the the site, and all this information about benefits, just trying to get my head around it all.

Just making my way through some of the Guides at the moment. Unfortunately, I don't think I will meet the NI contribution rules, as I have only worked 6 months in my life (I was a full-time student before I developed this anxiety disorder and not working then).

I guess the best I can do is just try to put forward a solid claim and hope for the best.

There are two sets of eligibility conditions, one is your NI Contribution history (ESA(CB)), the other is based on your household income, savings and assets and the hours that a partner works (ESA(IR)).

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

If you make a claim for ESA(CB) and do not meet the conditions then it will be rejected and you will not be assessed for entitlement.

Gordon

To re-iterate Gordon's advice, it doesn't matter how 'solid' your health information is if you do not satisfy the basic entitlement criteria.

Thanks,

it's starting to become clearer - from what you guys have said, I don't think I have a case. I am living with my parents, if their income is to be taken into account I'm not going to be eligible for anything - this is annoying as their money isn't my money.

Guess I'm on my own!