Jess wrote: Hello,
I am currently off work long term sick. I do not think that I will be able to return to work (certainly for the foreseeable future), does anyone know if I can claim ESA if I resign (and a WCA finds that I am eligible)?
Thanks in advance
First of all, do not resign you may be giving up rights that you might regret losing, get face to face advice from a trained advisor, do an internet search for "welfare advice" with your postcode, town or county.
Have you been receiving Statutory Sick Pay? You cannot claim ESA while you are receiving SSP but you as soon as it completes you can make a claim for ESA even if you are still employed. If you have been working during the Tax years 2013-14 and 2014-15 then you should be eligible for Contribution Based ESA, if not then you can receive Income Related ESA but it will depend on your personal circumstances.
Have a look at the ESA Claim guides for more information.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1 If you have further questions then please reply to this post and we will do our best to help.
Gordon
