Being an unpaid carer and then claming new style esa

Hi Canada

You can't claim New style ESA and Carers Allowance together because they are overlapping benefits, the same applies to New style ESA and Income Support.

New Style ESA is a contributory benefit. Normally, this means you may be able to get it if you’ve paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions in the 2 full tax years before the year you’re claiming in.

Eligibility

To get New Style ESA you’ll need to have been an employee or self-employed and paid (or been credited with) National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years.

www.gov.uk/national-insurance

You will also need to have a fit note (sometimes called ‘sick note’ or ‘doctor’s note’) but you can start making your claim before you have one. If you have only just become ill, you can self-certify for the first 7 days.

You can get New Style ESA on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit. If you apply for and are awarded both benefits, the New Style ESA you are paid will reduce your Universal Credit payment by the same amount.

www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment...ailed-guide#overview

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

Gary

Canada

There are two Contribution Conditions that you will need to meet for NS ESA for the two Tax Years 2019-20 and 2020-21.

The first is based on you receiving NI Contributions during these years, which if you have not worked you will not be able to meet, however, there is a relaxation of this First Condition if you have been receiving Carers Allowance, see 9.2(a) of the following

www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/379/regulation/9/made

If you have been receiving Carers Allowance throughout both of the two years then you will have received sufficient NI Credits to allow you to meet the Second Condition.

Hope this helps.

Gordon