Pip and esa

Hi Samantha,
Welcome to Benefits and Work. Yes, you can claim both PIP and ESA., indeed many people do. There is a lot if helpful information about both benefits in the members guides.
PIP is a benefit for anyone with long term disabilities. It is not means tested. ESA is basically a sickness benefit and is designed to provide an earnings replacement fir those too ill to work. There are 2 versions: contribution based which can be paid to anyone who has sufficient National Insurance contributions. The income based version is means tested and will be paid to those with little or no income or savings. PIP is not counted as income for means tested benefits so can be paid in addition to any firm of ESA or other benefits. The members guides also provide information about claiming either if these benefits.

I hope this helps.

LL26

Hi Samantha

Unless you have an existing claim for ESA then you will only be able to claim NS ESA, rules changed a few years ago.

New Style ESA is as LL26 has stated below a Contribution Based benefit and is not means tested with the exception of pension income which can reduce the amount that you receive.

The Income Related benefit that goes with NS ESA is Universal Credit.

Gary

Hi Samantha

To get New Style ESA you’ll need to have been an employee or self-employed and paid (or been credited with) National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years.

You will also need to have a fit note (sometimes called ‘sick note’ or ‘doctor’s note’) but you can start making your claim before you have one. If you have only just become ill, you can self-certify for the first 7 days.

You can get New Style ESA on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit. If you apply for and are awarded both benefits, the New Style ESA you are paid will reduce your Universal Credit payment by the same amount.

You will not get any New Style ESA if you’re getting Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from an employer - but you can apply up to 3 months before your SSP ends. If you get New Style ESA, it will be paid as soon as your SSP ends.

www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

Also have a look at our guides: Our UC and ESA claim guide explains the criteria that you will need to meet.

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1

Gary