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ESA or UC

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3 months 2 weeks ago #294044 by Kjones82
ESA or UC was created by Kjones82
I’m already getting carer’s allowance and waiting for a date for pip tribunal. I haven’t worked for just over 2 years due to various health problems. I think I should be able to get UC (equivalent of income support) but I’m not sure if I should try to apply for the new ESA or whether there is a UC equivalent of that. I’m neurodivergent and I find any contact with these services distressing to the point I’m going without the payments to avoid the stress. Should I just apply for UC or is ESA preferable in some way?

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3 months 2 weeks ago #294084 by Gary
Replied by Gary on topic ESA or UC
Hi Kjones82

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.

Only you can answer that question.

To apply for NS ESA, you must have;

1) in one of the two relevant tax years, paid, or be treated as having paid, Class1 contributions (and worked and paid in at least 26 weeks in one of these years), or paid, or be treated as having paid, Class 2 contributions, at least 26 times the lower earnings limit; and

2) during both the relevant tax years, paid, be treated as having paid, or been credited with Class 1 or 2 contributions at least 50 times the lower earnings limit.

Relevant Tax Years: the relevant years are the last 2 complete tax years (6 April - 5 April) before the current benefit year.

Benefit Year: runs from the first Sunday in January.

Gary

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

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