Contribution ESA

[GrumpyInc]

I've been in work since 1988 and only claimed Contribution ESA when I had a complicated pregnancy mid-1990s. I can't remember how I did it but think all I did was to click 'contribution ESA', without the need to fill out health questions. I work for the nhs. I'm now aged late 50s and have been off sick after suffering a head injury. I've also got thyroid problems and arthritis. An MRI has shown that the bones in my neck are in poor condition. I have sick lines from my GP.
I'm no longer getting sickness (SSP??). Does the new ESA mean I have to go through the whole health questionnaire even if I'm only applying for the Contribution ESA? I had a quick look at the form on Citizens Advice, which put me right off. If they say that I 'can work', does that mean they can deny Contribution ESA even if I have sick-lines? I hope someone can help.

Hi, you will still need to fill in the health questionnaire. You get paid the basic rate (£77) whilst you are awaiting a capacity to work assessment. To remain eligible you need to to keep submitting sick notes. I think people are currently waiting up to a year for assessment...The assessment will decide if the DWP think you incapable of working, if so your ESA money doubles. If they find you capable of work then your payments remain at £77 whilst they 'support' you into funding suitable employment. I've been awaiting assessment for 5 months now. It's pretty awful.

You wouldn’t have been claiming ESA in the 90s, that would likely have been Incapacity Benefit although I did think you would have had to go through a Personal Capability Assessment even for that? But yes, you’ll have to fill in an ESA50 and (most likely) have to attend (or have a telephone) work capability assessment, and unless you’re put in the Suppory Group after that, payments will end after 1year.

Thank you for replies. It was something I claimed for, thought it was ESA but must have been Incapacity Benefit, as you say.

Yes you do have to go through the forms/assessment/ appeal process - it’s very long and very time-consuming.

Would have been JSA or income support in the 90s, so it’s different

I'm currently claiming contribution ESA while I'm on sick leave for cancer treatment. I'm in the support group. It took a couple of months for them to make a decision, but I didn't have to have a face-to-face assessment it was just based on my answers to the ESA50 and evidence from my Clinical Nurse Specialist.

My telephone assessment was just confirming that I had a job to go back to and that I'd update them with any changes in circumstances. But I believe there is a 'light touch' approach with cancer patients.

I've been submitting Fit notes online for the last 9 months and have not had any further contact from the DWP. My claim will end when I return to work or I reach the 12 month threshold. I'm not eligible for Universal Credit. I also get PIP too.

@GrumpyInc have you also looked at claiming Personal Independence Payment (PIP)? This is non-means tested and can be claimed whether you are in work or not?

If you are struggling to complete the claim forms for ESA or PIP you can get help from Citizens Advice, or perhaps even Headway or another charity relating to your conditions.

Dear twointhemorning, I'm sorry that you are going through a difficult journey and hope that the treatment is successful.
The application for benefits is all very new and a bit bewildering, but I'm sure I will be able to manage. Best regards and wishing you well.

I have another question which I hope someone can help with. I filled out the online form and called them to ask if I should send my sick-lines. They said 'no, wait till someone contacts you'. They sent a text saying they want to do a phone interview. I'm claiming contribution esa only (don't know if I can claim pip) - does anyone know what they ask during this phone-call?