ESA, DLA, PiP etc confusion help

[Ineedhelpplease1234]

Hi
I maybe being a little thick here.

So currently signed off sick, have been since March. Before then haven’t been off sick.

Done Pip and waiting on the decision although assessors report indicates on the points I should get it.

Have LCWRA assessment next week. Unsure which group I’ll be out in.

I claim DLA for my youngest son, currently et HRC LRM but expecting it’ll probably go down to MRC as not enough evidence to show he still needs help at night and day. But may get kuxky. Just waiting on this renewal.

So my dilemma is what on earth is ESA? Is it automatically paid if you get LCWRA or LCW? Do I have to apply, should I apply or would I be no better off if I got it or not financially?

Currently claim carers elements but I guess I will have to go to carers allowance if I have to give up work?

I really can’t quit my job until I financially no I am secure and would rather keep being signed off for now until that runs out as I am a single parent. It all just confuses me tbh. Ans I would like someone’s honest opinion on which is the best and most financially best way to go

It's employment support allowance its a benefit if you are long term sick/disabled and can't claim jobseekers, and not linked to PIP I don't know what some of your acronyms mean sorry.

You can get pip and work full time ESA has conditions attached depending on assessment.

ESA is separate from PIP.

It's employment and support allowance. You do need to apply separately but the form and the process are basically very similar to PIP

Thanks, I read it's only valid for 365 days so not sure if it's just pointless stress? Tried doing calculations online and I vary between £3800-4200 a month and just stressing whether the ESA would be worth it or not xx

Have a look at this.

Limited Capacity For Work / Work-Related Activity means you're not deemed currently able to work, though will be expected to take steps towards returning - these may be mandated by the jobcentre.

There are two levels of ESA, the highest being Support Group where you aren't considered able to work. Members of this group can still be expected to undertake activities aimed at getting you back to work (I did a few weeks' work at the jobcentre, and was actually well supported).

As PIP isn't income dependent, it's technically separate from the ESA evaluation process. Some claimants, though, have found they were moved into the Support Group from LCW after being awarded PIP.

Carer's allowance is deducted from your ESA, or you could simply stop claiming it.

You can only claim contributions based ESA if you have paid enough NI in the past 2 or three ears. If you are on UC it will be deducted £1 for £1. It does pay you class 1 NI contributions which UC does not.

Carer's allowance is also deducted £1 for £1 from UC, if you are in Scotland you get a payment of Carer's allowance supplement twice a year. The main benefit of claiming it when you are on UC is it also pays your class 1 NI contributions.

My understanding is that PIP replaced DLA. ESA replaced Incapacity Benefit, but ESA is currently being replaced by the sickness element of Universal Credit.

Some people are still on DLA from moons ago, and everyone on ESA (which is now termed a legacy benefit) will be transferred onto universal credit at some point over the next few years. So I think as well as PIP you will need to claim for Universal Credit.

https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/employment-and-support-allowance-esa/can-i-get-employment-and-support-allowance-esa#:~:text=Income%2Drelated%20Employment%20and%20Support,are%20receiving%20a%20legacy%20benefit