ESA - what happens next?

[Bellatrix]

So today I rang and did the questions on the phone with the benefits people.

She said something about 7 days but I don't understand what.

And they're sending me a medical questionnaire to fill in an and back with supporting evidence from my doctor.

Now that I've rang and got the ball rolling what can I expect to happen with regards to money and a decision?

I am a part time student
I receive high rate DLA and council tax reduction
I have savings over £16000
I have never been able to work
I have been ill since childhood - diagnosed at 17.

[Lilo]

I've just looked on the gov.uk website guide to ESA and it states that you won't qualify for Income Based ESA if you have savings over £16000.

You might be able to get Contribution based ESA. I've just copied this from the gov.uk website:

"Contribution-based ESA lasts one year if you’re in the work-related activity group. You may be able to re-apply at least 12 weeks after your contribution-based ESA ends. You may qualify again depending on:

National Insurance contributions you paid in the last 2 to 3 full tax years
whether your health deteriorates and you’re placed in the support group
There’s no time limit on how long you can claim contribution-based ESA if you’re in the support group."

[sherlock holmes]

Did you tell the lady on the phone about your savings? A Lilo is correct in that you can't get income based ESA if you have savings that high.

I thought you've had paid work as an actress?

Usually what happens next is while a decision is made about what ESA group you get put into (usually after a medical) they can start paying you on the lower rate but I'm not sure how it works with your savings and if it's an outright no.

[Bellatrix]

I did tell her yeah

I do get paid work but I'm taking a break from it for a while to focus on uni and was never emplyed by anyone.

[random.swirls]

I don't think you will be eligible as your savings preclude you from income based ESA and you need to work for two full years to get contributions based ESA.

I think they used to do a youth ESA that I think helped for students but I think that has stopped now.

[sherlock holmes]

Thing is the savings will mean you cannot get any other means tested benefits like JSA or income support. Maybe you could talk to citizens advice about what they suggest? I don't really know what the best course of action would be. Maybe they will say to live off your savings for a while until you're just under the threshold then apply again.

[Arienette]

Your savings might affect your eligibility. Normally you have to have savings under a certain amount to qualify.

They might expect you to live off your savings for a while but you could spend some to get below the punt line just about thrown reapply if they let you. Dunno if it's £16000 or £6000 savings but the number rings a bell.

Hope it gets sorted. Xx

[sherlock holmes]

Quote:

Your income and savings
Your income may affect your income-related or contribution-based ESA. Income can include:

you and your partner’s income
savings over £6,000
pension income
You won’t qualify for income-related ESA if you have savings over £16,000.

https://www.gov.uk/employment-suppor...ce/eligibility

[Bellatrix]

Thanks guys!

[Aardbei]

You may qualify for contributions based ESA if you have ever paid national insurance. You can have savings over that and still qualify for it - it's the income assessed that you wouldn't be eligible for.

[The One Who]

As others have said, you won't qualify for any monetary payment due to the savings. However, what would be worthwhile is applying to get your "stamp" paid, so your NI contributions are kept up to date.