Does anybody understand ESA

[Charltonstrek]

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.

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

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

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

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

Withdrawn as much better info below

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.

Posted in error.

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.

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

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

ideally you’d get your fit note that says you would benefit from reduced hours and then take that to your employer who would make adjustments. If they won’t and you get sick pay then take some sick leave and see how you feel in a few weeks. Citizens Advice can help you with what you can apply for.

However not sure it's worth it as what happens after the years up my mental health is unlikely to have improved

If im brave enough to turn down the hours I can get away with 2 shifts a week. I'm casual anyway.

Could you claim PIP?

Everyone will migrate to UC.

How do i get it I tried once and they refused said I was okay on the phone etc

I don't understand what'd wrong with me I feel numb at time with overwhelming fatigue can't interact properly or follow people's conversations.

After the ESA assessment, if you qualify, then you’ll be put in one of 2 groups. The first group is Support Group this is for those people who DWP think are not going to be unlikely to work again due to the severity of their condition, and they can continue to receive ESA long term. The other group is Work Related Group, this is for people who DWP can get back into work and you’ll have job coaching skills and other help, this group can only claim for 1 year.

if you’re in the Work Related Group and you get to the end of the year then you could try and claim UC.

You can also looking into claiming PIP, which is a completely separate benefit, isn’t means tested and is for people with a disability who struggle with daily living.

So why didn't they assess to find out reasons for claim and my intentions etc

I know about the 2 groups etc just thought they would call me in to find out more about me

Because you failed at the first step because you’re not earning under the limit.

No not with New Style ESA they won’t.

So I need to just stay on 2 days a week now then and put in a new claim?

You have to earn under £195 at the point of putting in a claim for ESA. So they will not assess you unless your earnings drop.

I would also like some support in finding a workplace I can cope with or be supported eased in etc