Introduction
Are you struggling to work due to a medical condition? You may be eligible for New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), a financial support scheme designed to assist those with limited capability for work. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the steps to claim ESA, ensuring you understand your rights and the process involved. If you need further assistance, Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts are here to help you navigate your legal challenges and understand your options. Discover how to claim ESA and get the support you need today!
If you’re struggling to work due to a medical condition, you may be eligible for New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This financial support is designed for those who have limited capability for work. Here’s a simple guide on how to claim it.
Step 1: Get a Fit Note
Before you can claim ESA, you need to provide proof that your health condition affects your ability to work. This is done through a “fit note,” which you can obtain from various healthcare professionals, including:
- Your general practitioner (GP) or a hospital doctor
- Registered nurses
- Pharmacists
- Occupational therapists
- Physiotherapists
Your fit note can be either printed or digital. Make sure that it is signed or includes the healthcare professional’s name; otherwise, it may be rejected by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
If you’ve been ill for more than seven days, the fit note is free. However, if your illness has lasted seven days or less, you may need to pay for it. Always keep your fit note safe, as losing it could mean you have to pay for a replacement.
If you’re unable to get a fit note, don’t hesitate to try Contend’s legal expert chat for assistance.
Step 2: Apply for ESA
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, you must apply for New Style ESA online or over the phone. You can no longer apply through your Universal Credit account, even if you’re already receiving Universal Credit.
To apply online, visit the GOV.UK website and answer a few questions to check your eligibility. If you qualify, you can fill out the application form.
Here’s what you’ll need to have on hand:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank details (account number and sort code)
- Your GP’s contact information
- Details about your income if you’re currently working
- The end date of your Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), if applicable
When filling out the form, make sure to indicate the date you first experienced limited capability for work, as you’ll need to submit your fit note from that date.
If you are applying on behalf of someone else or cannot use online forms, you can contact Jobcentre Plus to apply by phone.
Jobcentre Plus Claim Lines:
- Phone: 0800 055 6688
- Welsh language: 0800 328 1744
- Textphone: 0800 328 1344
If you use British Sign Language (BSL), you can use the Video Relay Service to communicate.
Step 3: After You Apply
Once you submit your application, the DWP will contact you via phone or letter to inform you of the next steps. You may be asked to attend a face-to-face interview at Jobcentre Plus. If you’re concerned about attending in person, reach out to them using the contact details on your invitation.
Keep an eye on the expiration date of your fit note. If it’s about to expire and you still need support, get a new fit note to continue your claim.
If your application is approved, you might later receive a form called the ‘capability for work questionnaire’ (ESA50). Completing this form is essential to maintain your ESA payments.
What If Your Claim Is Refused?
If your claim is denied, the DWP will explain why. If you believe the decision is incorrect, you can challenge it.
Claiming New Style ESA can be a crucial step in securing financial support while you manage your health. Remember, you’re not alone in this process; seek help if you need it, and stay informed about your rights and options. For more information, you can visit GOV.UK for guidance on benefits and support, or try Contend’s legal expert chat for personalized assistance with your legal questions.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
- Boost Your UK ESA Claim: Expert Medical Evidence Tips
- How to Apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance in the UK: Tips & Eligibility
- How to Apply for Jobseeker’s Allowance: Expert Tips for UK
- Show Examples of Completed ESA Forms: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Effective ESA Appeal Guide: Win Your Employment Support Claim
