Alternative to ESA?

[drawingpad]

I had no idea until now that you cannot make new claims for ESA unless you have been working in the last 2 years. I wonder, is there an alternative now or is it just 'tough shit' for anyone who has been out of work previously but not claimed?

If you’re on universal credit you can be assessed as not being capable for work and that will give you extra money each month.

Ah ok, thanks. This must be another way to get people shifted off tax credits!

@drawingpad

Ah ok, thanks. This must be another way to get people shifted off tax credits!

If you are too unwell to work and are on tax credits and receiving SSP from work then you can continue to get working tax credits for the 28 weeks that you are paid SSP for. After that if you are still too unwell to work then you would lose the working tax credits. Or you can switch to Uc, hand in sick notes and wait to be assessed for work capability.

What exactly is your situation?

Thanks, it's child tax credits, not working tax. I was just curious as to how it would work really if someone had been out of work but not claiming.