Hi i'm new to the site and could do with some advice about ESA

[kinsella11]

Im currently off work at the moment with a medical condition and have just had notice that I am entitiled to claim ESA.
Although I am no longer paid from work at all they are trying to push me to go back despite me not been fit and my doctor and specialist also saying that i'm not fit for work.

I did have an 'independent' assessment via work and they claimed I was fit for work! I can hardly walk or move and I was gobsmacked by this as was my doctor! ACAS also advised that this often happens with big companies- they try and push you to get your notice in as they dont want ppl working for them with high absense rates.

As I have had no income for over 4 months my partner and I are struggling financially and have had to seek the aid of a debt management company.
Due to my condition and the fact that I can't do anything, can't play with my kids, and have no life really, and the creditors chasing me and work hassling me I have now been diagnosed with depression.

What I really wanted to know was if I handed my notice in at work would I still be able to claim ESA?

I am sure I am suffering from agoraphobia too as I close all the curtains in the house, lock the doors and really do not like leaving the house.
Im scared to really say anything to anyone about the extent of my feelings due to feeling embarrassed about it.
Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated as I am at my wits end with it all
Thanks xx

[nomorepanic]

I don't think if you leave a job you will be able to claim benefits to be honest.

Your best bet is to ask the Citizens Advice Bureau - they are very good at this sort of thing.

[kinsella11]

Thanks Nicola, I have been trying to telephone the CAB for a few days now and they never answer their phones. Im not able to get to them as I'm unable to drive at the moment and my husband works all week and Saturdays.

They just pass you on to another number and they can't help as i'm not egilible for legal aid. lol.

Just feel like i'm going around in circles with them xx

[Neo]

Are they on email?

[harasgenster]

I have claimed ESA after quitting a job due to illness before.

You can't claim jobseeker's but you can claim ESA. This was last year though and everything's changed recently so you'll have to check. Phone the jobcentre and explain what's going on, they will be able to tell you what you can claim in different circumstances.

If you have already been told you are eligible for ESA then you just need to tell them that you have been found unfit for work by THEIR assessment team. DON"T say you have been found fit for work by the independent team (unless they ask, don't lie!) and just ask for information.

Hope this helps

[smiley]

When i had all this trouble with work , debts etc etc i sought the help of shelter , they arent as well known as the cab but are easier to contact , they give you one on one advice , contact all your debtors and also sort out any benefit entitlement you have , i dont have the numbers now , but im sure if you google Shelter the numbers will come up , hope this is helpful for you , i know they got me through everything and all i had to do was sign a few letters and fill in forms for benefits , everything else they dealt with for me x oh and all their help is free