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ESA claim advice needed

Posted , 6 users are following.

olivetree
olivetree

Hi does anyone in UK know whether I would be able to claim contribution-based ESA if I reduced my working hours to the 'permitted work' level due to ME? I am aware that a claimant can take up permitted work within the rules but does it work the other way round? None of the benefit advice sites I've checked out seem to tell you. I'm really struggling with the fatigue right now and am worried about becomming too ill to work at all but I really can't afford to cut my hours without the possibility of at least being able to make a claim.  Can anyone help please?

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Fidd
    Fidd olivetree

    Posted

    I'd suggest that you speak to someone working as an advisor in this area, or maybe contact one of the ME charities.
    • olivetree
      olivetree Fidd

      Posted

      Thanks Fidd. I have an appointment in a few week's time for an educational group session on self-managment. I hope they will be able to advise on this also but it's not going to be the main focus.
  • Tea_belly
    Tea_belly olivetree

    Posted

    Hi, do you claim PIP? You can claim this even when in work and it isn't means tested. I applied and got it, though I am off sick from work x
  • tina58520
    tina58520 olivetree

    Posted

    Hi there,

    If you google "Action for M.E", this site will tell you everything you need to know.  They also have a welfare helpline which is very good. 

    I am on ESA contribution based.  However, I was off sick for a long time first.  You have to keep producing sick notes until they call you for an assessment.  My G.P. wrote a letter as I had requested a home visit, and the I was put straight into support group for one year. 

    You can claim ESA contribution-based only if you have paid enough National Insurance in a set period.  If you have and get into support group you then have your national insurance contributions paid for you.

    I too also have P.I.P and yes it is correct you can claim this and still work.

    Good luck

    Tina

  • olivetree
    olivetree

    Posted

    Hi Tea Belly.

    No, I don't claim PIP. I have looked at the criteria you need to meet and I don't think I would qualify. I can perform the basic mobilty things like raising my arms, walking 50 metres (on 'normal' for me days) wash, dress etc (although it takes a while).  Feeling awful, weak, sick, spaced out, etc most of the day (and trying to conceal it) and on your knees by the end of a working day doesn't seem to come in to it though. rolleyes

    I'm pushing myself to keep going and worried because I'm afraid I'm heading for a fall; I want to slow things down BEFORE this happens.  I don't know what to do really.

    I'm glad for you that you managed to make a successful claim for PIP but sorry for you also, that you are so poorly and off sick. Hope you soon improve x

     

    • Tea_belly
      Tea_belly olivetree

      Posted

      Hi, the test for Pip is not just being able to do those things but can you do them repeatedly and safely. I can shower and dress but have to keep sitting down and it takes me a lot longer than it used to. If you contact a welfare rights worker or your local ME group then should have documents to advise you how to answer the questions from a cfs point of view. Hope this helps x
  • helen70967
    helen70967 olivetree

    Posted

    Have you tried contacting DIAL. They are a UK charity who's remit is to help disabled people fill in their benifit forms. Equally the DWP may be able to advise you as well. Hope you get the help that you need.
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