Claiming ESA when to poorly to work

[Imsosleepy]

Hi There, I was unable to continue working in Feb due to my health mainly fibromyalgia, I was awarded pip and have been claiming esa over lockdown, I did the not fit for work paperwork for esa. I have now received a letter from Esa asking for doctors note or fit note from 19th do I have to keep getting this paperwork? I would of thought that pip would be enough to show I can't work?

[achydunlin]

I think PIP can be claimed by people who are working or not working, so it doesn't necessarily mean that if you get PIP that you can't work - it's just there to help you in everyday life - i.e. mobility and/or care.

[Dizzytwo Moderator]

Hi there, nice to meet you and welcome to our very friendly group you may like to think about locking your posts for privacy reasons.

The two are separate and serve different purposes. ESA is an out of work benefit, supporting people under the state pension age who have limited capability to work. PIP is intended to cover some of the additional costs of having a long term health condition, and is available to people in or out of work. I hope this helps answer your question. I hope you have a good day x

Momo

[releasethemagic]

PIP can be claimed by people who are working, and there are lots of them so PIP is not a passport to ESA, although your assessor's report for PIP may help with ESA. If you do not have a copy of the full PIP report, ask DWP to send it to you. For ESA, you have to fill in a lengthy form that they send you a few weeks into your claim. There is a guide you can download that helps you make the most of the information you have to complete the forms. You will find it here healthunlocked.com/api/redi...

If you have already completed the forms, wait and see what they award you and if you are unhappy with it, use the Guide to provide additional information for a Mandatory Reconsideration.