ESA

I have a part-time job (19 hours) though hours were reduced to 16 earlier this year because of illness and trouble attending through illness. I claim DLA for my dissabilities but because of the severity of my colitis (and various other problems) On the advice of Occupationsl Health I am retiring through sickness, been off since April. I have a fit note to the end of November so I will still be claiming SSP till then. Question is can I apply for ESA now or do I have to wait til SSP runs out in November? I find it all so confusing ...I also have fibromyalgia and lower back pain?

My SSP runs out later this month. I contacted DWP a couple of weeks ago and told them the date I wanted my claim to start. Hence I m already in reciept of a letter stating that I will get ESA (assessment rate) starting the day after my SSP finishes.

Best of luck with it, Mrs H, hope it all goes smoothly for you.
Cheers, Pen.