thinking of trying to go back to work

i am in receipt of ESA and DLA. I really would like to return to work on a part-time basis,as i could not manage a full time position. I have MS which is fluctuating. I keep thinking of trying to get back to work on a part time basis, what is concerning me is, if, i do get a job, i cannot manage health wise, would i have to start the benefit process again or would i be protected for a certain ammount of time, meaning i could go back on the benefit without all the stress of the process

many thanks
c

vinnyax@ wrote: i am in receipt of ESA and DLA. I really would like to return to work on a part-time basis,as i could not manage a full time position. I have MS which is fluctuating. I keep thinking of trying to get back to work on a part time basis, what is concerning me is, if, i do get a job, i cannot manage health wise, would i have to start the benefit process again or would i be protected for a certain ammount of time, meaning i could go back on the benefit without all the stress of the process

many thanks
c

Hi va,

Welcome to Benefits and Work

There is a 12 week linking rule, wherein you can be fast tracked back into The ESA "Group" (WRAG or SG) that you were in previous to closing your ESA claim, as long as no more than 12 weeks have elapsed.

Once more than 12 weeks have elapsed you would have to make a totally fresh claim, and go through the whole ESA WCA process again. There may also be adverse implications with NI Contributions and Transitional Protection if applicable.

ESA is an "out of work" benefit, however "Permitted Work" may be allowed.

Only The DWP can tell you whether any work that you may be considering would be classed as "Permitted Work", so they should be informed before the fact rather than after.

You should also be aware that if you were to continue to claim ESA and carry out "Permitted Work" that any actions/duties involved in said work could put your ESA award in peril if they were in contradiction to the limitations that give you the ESA award.

Further, any assessing HCP would be aware of any "Permitted Work" that you may be doing at a future assessment/reassessment.

Although DLA is an "in work" benefit, again you should be aware that if any actions/duties involved in the work that you do were in direct contradiction to the mobility limitation/care needs that give you the DLA awards, that this could have an adverse effect on them.

There are earnings/hours/length of period limits to Permitted Work, dependent on your personal circumstances.

Further information can be found below :

Permitted Work

Work for people living with disability or health conditions.

We also have a new guide on Permitted Work, 5th link down this page :

ESA Claims Guides

Hope this helps.

bro58

Thank you for your response. Helped a lot, thank you again.

vinnyax@ wrote: Thank you for your response. Helped a lot, thank you again.

You are welcome va !

As an aside, a word of caution.

If you are currently in The Support Group (SG), as you may know, you cannot be compelled to take part in Work Related Activity. (WRA)

You can however "volunteer" to take part in WRA.

You should be aware that any WRA that is initially undertaken voluntarily by SG members, can then become mandatory with the threat of sanctions for non-compliance.

This is a totally different scenario to "Permitted Work", but I thought that it was worth a mention.

bro58

Hi,

Thank you again for your response.

I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I have Multiple sclerosis, it is very fluctuating. When i have 'episodes or relapses' i just disppear from society completely. I have fatigue all the time, but its not always completely debilitating. I feel when i am relatively well, i could try and work on a part time basis. I hate not working, before this horrible illness i held a responsible position as manager with the local authority, i absolutely loved my work for the 27 years i was there. Now, i dont meet people, my brain is mush, and i cant see any employer giving me an opportunity. All this has led me to become more and more isolated.

i feel i shouldn't be in receipt of any benefit when i am reasonable well. If i knew when i was going to be affected by the MS, it would be a lot easier, i just cant see anyway for me to move forward.

Any suggestions, would be extremely welcome

vinnyax@ wrote: Hi,

Thank you again for your response.

I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I have Multiple sclerosis, it is very fluctuating. When i have 'episodes or relapses' i just disppear from society completely. I have fatigue all the time, but its not always completely debilitating. I feel when i am relatively well, i could try and work on a part time basis. I hate not working, before this horrible illness i held a responsible position as manager with the local authority, i absolutely loved my work for the 27 years i was there. Now, i dont meet people, my brain is mush, and i cant see any employer giving me an opportunity. All this has led me to become more and more isolated.

i feel i shouldn't be in receipt of any benefit when i am reasonable well. If i knew when i was going to be affected by the MS, it would be a lot easier, i just cant see anyway for me to move forward.

Any suggestions, would be extremely welcome

Hi va,

You have my sympathy !!

Several of our members have found themselves in a similar predicament.

Unfortunately, all that we can do as Mods is try and inform you of any available options, it is then a decision that only you can make.

It can be difficult with fluctuating conditions such as MS, but you should not feel any guilt on being in receipt of ESA/DLA.

These benefits are not easily qualified for.

You should also take into account that to be classed as not being able to carry out any of the qualifying ESA Activities, you do not have to suffer the limitations all of the time, only for the majority of the time. (>50%)

Have you thought of contacting The MS Society ? they may be able to help :

www.mssociety.org.uk/forum

www.mssociety.org.uk

There is nothing wrong with you investigating the options available, and making an informed decision, you do not have to commit.

Have a look at this link, also :

Access To Work

Cheers

bro58