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Can I claim ESA. Quick question / Help please.

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1 year 1 month ago #283988 by Melanie
Hello,

Could I ask a quick question please. I wanted to know if I can apply for ESA.
I am currently employed, but have been signed off long term sick due to severe anxiety and depression.
I had been receiving full pay, but that has now ended and I have been cut down to 67% of my salary. My employer has exhausted the ssp allowance also.
Can I still make a claim given that I am still classed as employed and receiving a reduced salary from them please?
(I also qualified for PIP back in May and recive the enhanced daily rate. I was rejected for the mobility component even though I absolutely cannot go out of the house alone. I just didn't have the mental strength to appeal at the time.)
I have taken the test on this site and downloaded the guide, both have been really helpful, but I can't seem to find anything that quite fits my circumstances.
Many thanks for any help or advice. It would be much appreciated.

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1 year 1 month ago #284008 by Gary
Hi Melanie

Welcome to the forum.

You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum.

You maybe able to apply for New Style ESA; www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

You will not be able to claim legacy ESA, as it is no longer available for new claimants.

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

There are two Contribution Conditions that you need to meet for a new claim for New Style ESA.

Both are based on the two Tax Years preceding the current Benefit year, for 2023 they are 2020-21 and 2021-22.

The Second Condition requires a minimum of 50 weeks of either NI Contributions and/or NI Credits, your current Credits Only award potentially covers this.

The First however requires a minimum of 26 weeks of NI Contributions in either of the two years, your current claim does not provide these, Contributions can only be acquired through paid employment, there are some exceptions but you don't mention any of these in your post.

I would advise you to seek help from your local Welfare Rights Organisation; advicelocal.uk

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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