ESA anyone in the know?

[PDR]

Evening!

I have been signed off work with SPD and as I look 3 weeks unpaid holiday a few weeks prior my average earnings over the 8 weeks they look at for SSP do not meet the lower earnings threshold.

I was looking online about what to do if you are not eligible for SSP and ESA has cropped up.

I do sometimes pay NI when I work over my normal hours and I would have paid my contributions in 07/08 and 08/09 and some in 09/10. Not sure what classes as "enough" contributions?

I would not be eligible for Income Based ESA as my DH works full time.

I have about 8 weeks left until I am due to start Maternity Leave for which I can claim MA. Is it worth me trying to claim ESA in the meantime? I will probably not be going back to work as I can hardly walk.

ESA was brouight in to replace incapacity benefit. Its complicated and takes about 4-6 weeks to sort out after a lengthy phone call to your local job centre.
If you call them they will do the application over the phone and you will not be any worse of for applying. Good luck

Ok I have claimed over the phone so we will see...