Returning to full time work from ESA Support Group

My 'story' is a tad long so I'm going to condense it so as everyone is up to speed prior to my current dillema.

10 years ago diagnosed with multiple genetic sysdromes etc they cause chronic pain, long term health problems bug not a disability.

3 years ago (ish) fluid on the brain (long old story) took over a year to recover, was homeless, housebound and in a wheelchair.

18 months ago I talked the nhs into knees braces (bye bye wheelchair) an started trying to relearn how to cope in the body of mine, I am disabled now but a life using morphine and tramadol is not one I want at 25 years old.

I started voluntary work in my previous area (16hrs a week) 4 hrs / 4 x a week. (Permitted work)

After a few months started searching for a job locally but it needed to be full time hours 37.5 as I now have a one bedroom flat.

Applied, interviews and was offered the first job very close to home, single level (no stairs etc)

There was a issue unrelated to me which delayed my start date by an additional 6 weeks (recruitment process in whole 4.5 months) I am awaiting a call today about my start date potentially being this weekend!!!

ESA returning to work ISSUE!
I called ESA and made enquires they where very unhelpful.

Alot of the information online is very outdated.

I requested meetings at the job center which were pointless I knew more from my research then they did.

I visited the council and asked about the rates for rent and council tax etc transitioning off of housing benefit and council tax support.

I have essentially been told that when I start my job I phone the ESA line and they with immediate effect will cancel my claim from that point.

From what I understand the housing benefit peopel should give me 4 weeks grace.

The council tax will be reassessed and increased from the next month.

Is the infomation I have concluded correct.

I'm very worried about money during this transition stage.

As should I start this weekend I might not be paid this month, and if I was it wouldn't be a full months pay.

I also have PIP which naturally will be reassessed as returning to work will trigger and enquiry.

Your thoughts and advice are all welcome.
Thank you.

Sunflower

Forgive me for being picky, but the DWP will be, you cannot do 16 hours of Permitted Work under ESA, the requirement is that you do less than 16 hours, it only needs to be one minute less, but it is an important minute.

So if you start working for 16 hours or more then you must notify the DWP and close your claim. In case you are not aware, if your return to work fails, then providing you do so within 12 weeks of ending your claim you can make a rapid reclaim for ESA and should be put back onto your current rate.

I'm afraid we do not deal with HB or Council Tax, but you should inform them immediately you start work.

You do not need to inform PIP that you are starting work but it may be to your disadvantage if you do not and they decide that your working is at odds with the reasons you are receiving PIP. If you do inform them then I would expect your claim to be reassessed.

Gordon

Hi sunflower,

I am in the ESA support group after leaving my job last year . If I were you I would think long and hard before starting work . Unless the job is going to be fantastically paid you will not be better off as you may end up having to pay full rent and council tax. Check on a benefits calculator , as if you input the figures it works out what rent and council tax you will need to pay.

I used turn to us, it states supposedly that I'd b3 better of working 3 days a week 6 hours aday.
That's £288 per week before tax take off 5he 25% I'd take home £216 per week.
I guess I'd lose ESA but I'd keep my enhanced lcwra £440.odd please don't quote that lcwra high rate.
I'm on enhanced pip for pain management issues and I will need help from my husband to keep me suitably dressed and hair .
My day will need to start with my own car3 from 6am as before tye idea of work I could take as long as needed to recover from fibromyalgia pain coursed from over stimulation and fatigue like I know I can only offer Monday Wed Friday as I need the days I between to recover from work, that I'm faking to be well enough for but ive no other choice but to go back to work as cost of living on disabled benefits and uc is not enough even with my rent fully covered.
I honestly have no idea have people without children fund everyday life and afford holidays every year, with out mass of debt.
Any help or advice
I've a husband (currently on carers allowance)
I'm surport group esa
But im aware 5his will stop over 16 hrs but if work is not secure or secessful if before 12 week I can fast track back to ESA surport .
If not a change on my UC claim to adjust mu lcwra high rate and let them know of tye new work hours wave etc.
I under my monthy I come need to be under a certain amount and that after think it's 576 per .month 55p from tye 1pond over this amount is deducted.
My housing under uc would not change as my £1050 rent is paid as we have disabled adult under 20 still living at home .
Any advice I'd be grateful as the person above me mentioned the job centre really did not have the answers much more than Google and I've done this tones of times to the point I to often know more than job centre did