Introduction
Are you struggling to work due to illness or disability? Understanding your rights and options for financial support can be overwhelming, but this guide on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can help. Discover who can claim ESA, the types available, and important details about applying. If you need further assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide guidance and help you navigate your legal issues. With Contend, you can access the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you’re finding it hard to work due to illness or a disability, you may be eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This financial support is designed for those who have “limited capability for work.”
Who Can Claim ESA?
To qualify for ESA, you need to meet certain criteria:
- You must be at least 16 years old.
- You should be under the State Pension age. You can check your exact State Pension age here.
- You need to live in England, Wales, or Scotland.
It’s important to note that while you can receive ESA alongside benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you generally cannot receive it at the same time as Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Income Support.
What If You’re Employed?
If you’re currently employed but unable to work, you might receive Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer for up to 28 weeks. However, you cannot receive both SSP and ESA simultaneously. It’s a good idea to start your ESA claim up to three months before your SSP ends to ensure your payments start as soon as possible.
Self-employed individuals can also apply for ESA, and the process is the same as for those who are employed.
Types of ESA
Most people will apply for what’s known as “new style” ESA. There are older types of ESA, called “income-based ESA” and “contribution-based ESA,” but new claims for contribution-based ESA are no longer accepted. If you currently receive contribution-based ESA, you may be eligible to add income-based ESA to increase your payments.
If you have been receiving a severe disability premium (SDP), you can apply for new style ESA. If you believe you should have been receiving an SDP but haven’t, it’s advisable to consult with an adviser.
Migration to Universal Credit
Recently, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been transitioning some individuals from ESA to Universal Credit. If you receive a letter instructing you to apply for Universal Credit by a specific date, it’s crucial to do so before the deadline. Failing to apply on time could mean you miss out on some financial support.
If you have been receiving an SDP, you may qualify for an additional amount in your Universal Credit, known as the “SDP transitional element,” if you apply within a month of stopping your SDP benefit.
National Insurance and ESA
To qualify for new style ESA, you typically need to have paid National Insurance contributions for two tax years. For example, in 2024, the relevant years are 2021-22 and 2022-23. You can check your National Insurance record here.
Even if you don’t meet the National Insurance conditions, applying for new style ESA is still worthwhile. The DWP will assess your eligibility during the application process.
Applying for ESA
If you believe you’re eligible for new style ESA, you will usually need to apply online. For those already receiving contribution-based ESA, you may be able to add income-related ESA if you meet certain income and savings criteria.
Additional Help
If you’re facing financial difficulties, there are additional benefits and support options available. It’s a good idea to explore what you may qualify for, especially if you’re struggling with living costs.
For guidance and assistance with your application or to understand your options better, consider trying Contend’s legal expert chat. Their highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.
Contact Information
If you need to contact the Jobcentre Plus for assistance, you can reach them at:
- Telephone: 0800 169 0310
- Textphone: 0800 169 0314
- Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
For those who are hard of hearing or prefer using British Sign Language (BSL), you can access video relay services or use the Relay UK service.
Navigating the benefits system can be challenging, but help is available. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance if you need it.
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