Im on ESA what happens when it ends

[basketcase54]

Im on ESA which i have been told by work programme it comes to an end in sept plase can anyone tell me what i will be able to claim when it does finish im worried sick im on my own with only ESA money to live on

[Clara83]

This will depend on what they have recommended. Work groups usually go on for up to two years depending on what was suggested by the tribunal service or medical board. The payment should continue after the programme has ceased or the DWP could suggest a JSA application. As each case is different my advice would be to seek independent advice from your local CAB or welfare rights centre. These are easily found on line. I hope this helps.

[basketcase54]

thank you for the reply the work programme suggested i try to get on support group i rang to find out whats happening and was told i have to wait for a medical which they cudnt tell me how long my work advisor is hoping i get in support group any advise would be helpful to me as to what to expect please thank you xx

[TheAuthor]

Hi basketcase54

I genuinely hope that you are feeling well today? I think that Clara83 has given you some wonderful advice there! I was also wondering if you claim PIP? I have pasted you a link below form the GOV.UK website entitled, 'How to claim PIP'

gov.uk/pip/how-to-claim

I want to wish you all the best of luck

Ken

[Offcut in reply to TheAuthor]

I would say if not on the support component it would fail unless circumstances have changed?

[Offcut]

Firstly they will offer JSA as they have been directed to do so however I do believe that you can tell them that you want to be on ESA still. Depending on your age you could get advice from CAB or Age UK

[basketcase54]

Just wish to thank all who have replied to me upto now i will find a CAB place and go to see them and find out ive been on ESA 2 years now after being let go from my job because of ill health xxangie

[bvlgari]

My ESA finished last September,my money stopped,I was told that I was not fit for work but not Ill enough to get support allowance!!! I have now tried PIP still waiting for a decision.It all takes such a long timeand a lot of worry.

[basketcase54]

hiya bvlgari can i ask what you did for money to live on if ur money stopped ?

[Maladjusted]

If you have been put into the WRAG (Work related group) You will be paid Contribution Based ESA for 365 days then it stops. If you have no other form of income, then at beginning of August you should ring and ask the Job Centre for an ESA 3 form. Fill in all the questions and send it back. They will assess your income and savings etc after which you should get a letter advising that you will be changing from Contribution Based ESA to Income Based ESA, this will continue for as long as you satisfy the conditions that you are not fit to return to work.

Good luck

Em x

[basketcase54 in reply to Maladjusted]

Hiya em i am in wrag i was paid c/b/ESA then i stopped i had no other income so was put on income related ESA but now my adviser at my work programme place says its going to stop in sept as ive been on it 2 years i asked wat i wud get when it ended she said she didnt know but said shes hoping by then im put in the support group of ESA as it was her that said i had toget forms and see if can get into support group as they ndidnt think i was well enuff to work im not sure what or who to ask thanks for listening to me moan angie x

[Maladjusted]

Good luck in getting into support group. I tried with my doctor's support, but failed the tribunal. If my income stops completely after 2 years on ESA then they may as well send me a pack of razor blades, as I too a now on my own with no other income. I haven't been told anything about it being stopped, so will look into it.

Em x

[Maladjusted]

Hi again

I just checked the Government website (gov.uk/employment-support-a... where it states that there is no time limit on Income Based ESA. It looks like your advisor may be misinformed.

Em x

[Kirby]

I think there are two different issues. The main thing is that the Work programme is for two years and will be ending in September. The ESA as far as I know will come up when they get round to reviewing you but you may try and apply for ESA- Support Group any time but you will need evidence to show your condition has changed (ie worsened). You don't have to wait until September though it'll probably take that long to get processed, unfortunately. Best wishes.

K x