Employment Support Allowance

[rockinmum]

Hiya

Does anyone have any experience of this during pregnancy? I'm not entitled to SMP or MA but I have paid NI within the last three years.

Just put a claim through on the phone but the poor bloke couldn't tell me whether I was entitled or not. Was just wondering if anyone else had applied for this for the 6 weeks before birth until 14 days after period.

Bit worried about whether they will make me go to a support group etc for the 6 weeks before baby is due lol.

Thanks

Have a look at www.dwp.gov.uk or the Direct Gov web site.

Have you been working for an employer recently?

No I stopped work when I had my daughter mid 2008. However the regulations on the DWp website state that if I have paid NI in the last three years then I will probably qualify for the ESA payments.

Rockinmum, How are you getting on now?

Hiya,

They have finally agreed that I am entitled to it after much arguing and actually having to send them a copy of their own legislation lol.

Howevere, because someone their end kept withdrawing my claim on my behalf (not requested by me) I will now be late getting payments, so the first one is due in November around the 3rd.

BUT noone can tell me how much it will be for (2 levels of ESA available) or exactly when it will be paid in so will have to ring them on Monday and see if anyone knows then lol.

Just glad it's all sorted really. I'm not trying to scrounge off the state or get out of going back to work, I just want what I am entitled to as I have worked since I was 16 and only stopped because there is NO childcare where we are at the moment. :)