Visually impaired, on UC - Waiting on PIP call - Should I apply for ESA too?

Hi Karen

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 have a lot going on, I will try and give you a few pointers, we would advise you to seek advice from your local Welfare Rights Organisation who can take all your circumstances into consideration when giving advice, unfortunately we cannot give advice as we do not have all the facts, we can only give information.

1) I have also applied for PIP for myself and have a phone assessment on the 15th November so I would appreciate any advice on how to handle this successfully. To find out about what to expect at a telephone assessment - read from pages 109 - 120 of the Guide to PIP claims and reviews. benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/pip . This should help you with all the information you need.

- Write yourself a bullet point list of any particular points you want to get over, so you have it by you during the assessment, tick them as you cover them during the assessment.
- have paper and pens to hand to make any notes such as the assessors name, date, time
- make sure you are seated in a comfortable chair, you are going to be there a while and at table to make notes
- if you can't hear or understand what is being asked then ask them to repeat the question
- don’t let the assessor rush you and get you flustered.
- don't forget to have a glass of water if needed so you don't get a dry throat and lose your voice!

Don't forget to contact DWP 48 hours after the assessment and ask for a copy of the assessors report called PA4.

2) I am also a bit confused as to whether I should submit a claim for ESA or not too? One of the advantages of claiming NS ESA if you are eligible, is that it is paid fortnightly whereas UC is paid monthly, as you rightly stated, any money received for NS ESA will be deducted from your UC, speak to your Welfare Rights Organisation; advicelocal.uk

3) I work part time but my capacity for work is limited As you work part time then you will be eligible to a 'Work Allowance', depending on your circumstances, you may get either the high rate or low rate, this is what is deducted from your net income before the earnings taper, your Welfare Rights Organisation will be able to explain in greater details, taking into account your situation.

If you have any further questions then please come back to the forum.

Gary