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Original poster

Does anybody understand ESA

36 replies

Charltonstrek · 08/06/2025 16:08

Please I don't want this to turn into a benefit bashing thread but I've been struggling with my mental health and some physical issues I've always worked I'm coming up to 55 but since my old workplace closed down mental and physical health has further gone downhill and I don't know what to do even though I've been working part-time I'm still overwhelmed.
I applied for esa and expected to be assessed to see if I would be accepted for it and I was also aware I can only earn up to £195 a week if I recieve it. I have been earning more than this but not coping and I haven't been able to open up to managers that I don't want too many shifts so I've ended up accepting more work than I'm capable of.
Anyway I waited and waited for a phone call off the dwp to arrange an assessment and instead I got a letter stating I've earned over the threshold to get a payment.
I'm very confused where they just gonna pay me without an assessment.

OP posts:
Original poster
Charltonstrek · 08/06/2025 16:30

Wasn't aware they would be looking at my income before even assessing me as I do want to cut right down but trying to struggle through more hours wanted to ensure I'd be accepted

OP posts:
Original poster
Charltonstrek · 08/06/2025 16:28

TwoBlueFish · 08/06/2025 16:25

You can still claim ESA, it’s now called New Style ESA. You need to meet the criteria for them even to start the process so if you’re earning over the amount then the application will stop straight away.

Most people now would just claim Universal Credit instead but if your household is over the earnings limit or you have more savings then ESA is a good option as it’s only based on your income and it doesn’t look at savings. It is only for 1 year though I think.

Are you claiming Universal Credit? You may be better applying for that and then doing the assessment process through that.

www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Income is over for universal credit even if I only earned £195 a week. Yes it was new style I applied for

OP posts:
TwoBlueFish · 08/06/2025 16:27

New Style ESA (formerly known as contributions based ESA) does not look at savings or partners income, you just need to have paid enough NI contributions.

EnjoyingTheArmoire · 08/06/2025 16:26

Posted in error.

MonsterasEverywhere · 08/06/2025 16:26

Perhaps check with your local library/citizens advice and ask for help regarding the benefit claim.

ESA is still claimable, but only as "New Style ESA" which is based on National Insurance contributions. ESA isn't means tested in the same way as UC, however, if you are earning too much to be considered for ESA you will not go through to assessment. The initial assessment of ESA takes around 13 weeks. They will not assess you on the off chance that you will be put onto the benefit.

EnjoyingTheArmoire · 08/06/2025 16:25

Withdrawn as much better info below

TwoBlueFish · 08/06/2025 16:25

You can still claim ESA, it’s now called New Style ESA. You need to meet the criteria for them even to start the process so if you’re earning over the amount then the application will stop straight away.

Most people now would just claim Universal Credit instead but if your household is over the earnings limit or you have more savings then ESA is a good option as it’s only based on your income and it doesn’t look at savings. It is only for 1 year though I think.

Are you claiming Universal Credit? You may be better applying for that and then doing the assessment process through that.

www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Original poster
Charltonstrek · 08/06/2025 16:18

Still don't understand it as it says universal credit is means tested but not esa

OP posts:
Original poster
Charltonstrek · 08/06/2025 16:17

Thelnebriati · 08/06/2025 16:16

ESA aren't going to pay you, no one can claim ESA any more, you have to sign on for Universal Credit.

Oh but it was esa I tried to claim not universal credit

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 08/06/2025 16:16

ESA aren't going to pay you, no one can claim ESA any more, you have to sign on for Universal Credit.

Original poster
Charltonstrek · 08/06/2025 16:13

First time I've ever tried to claim anything I'm clueless

OP posts: