getting back into work on ESA

[Cfelt9]

Hi all new here and don't know if I'm in the right place ...but here goes

ive been on E.S.A for about 18 years I'm a single man living in a HMO<(rent a room that housing benefit pay)

im flirting with the idea of getting back into work but my main issue is what if I come of ESA and try work but realise I'm not ready for it ....

is there anything that will sucure the ESA whilst I try to go back into work...

im on ESA because of anxiety and not leaving the house agoraphobia (but that's got a little better over time

anyway hope somebody could help me with this ....many thanks

[49Twister]

Don’t know your circumstances but getting back into work would be a really good idea. I understand your trepidation after not working for so long but having something to get up for in the mornings would give you back some self worth and confidence. Obviously I don’t know your story, type of work your thinking of etc so you need some really good advice which I’m not able to give you. I would have thought there will be some kind of safety net if it doesn’t work out. Make an appointment with citizens advice bureau. If you have access to the internet google what your asking. Their is a website called turn2us that deals with all kinds of benefits issues. I wish you the best of luck and keep in touch about how your getting on, would be great to hear.

[Cfelt9 in reply to 49Twister]

Thank you

[Riveresque]

I’m doing the same at the moment, I was told I could work for 15hrs & earn a certain amount before it would affect esa. I’m N.Ireland tho, some of our benefit rules are slightly different. The esa staff were lovely & really supportive though. Ring them for a chat & just ask what’s possible. They deal with this all the time & it’s good to consider options.

Voluntary work for a few hours a week can also give you an idea how you’ll cope without affecting anything. Good luck

[Cfelt9 in reply to Riveresque]

Thank you

[Jofisher]

Hi yes you can try upto a year I believe maximum, your only allowed to earn a certain amount I believe but speak to the disabled advisor at your local job centre they can tell you what the score is on that good luck.

[Cfelt9 in reply to Jofisher]

Thank you

[Jofisher]

Your welcome

[LDAutie]

hi Cfelt9 have you checked out supported work from UR (united response-they work with people with all sorts of needs including mental health on its own) ikknown people with learning disability in the past who used them and i saw them get very confident doing the work. the organisation were just manchester based back then but ive since heard theyve now spread out.

theres also the goverment acess to work scheme (im realy hoping its still going): disabilityrightsuk.org/acce... its worth checking it out if you havent already.