Claming conributions based ESA

panther50 wrote: I have a long-term chronic condition-lupus SLE and I receive contributions based ESA. I passed my assessment and they agreed to put me in the WRAG. However, my 365 days entitlement has now just come to an end and so I’ll only receive my NI contributions. If I were to become self-employed (I may have the chance to work a few hours a week around my condition) and make class 2 NI contributions myself. Then should my condition to worsen in the future (which is the fluctuating nature of this condition) and prevent me from working, do you know if I could reapply for contributions based ESA and start the 365 days again?

The first thing to ask is have you checked that you are not eligible for Income Related ESA.

The means test considers household income, assets and savings, and any hours that a partner works.

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

To answer your question, in principle yes, however, I believe you are seriously underestimating what would be required for you to re-qualify, so I would recommend that you get face to face advice before proceeding.

As the moment, whilst you are only receiving NI Credits, you still retain the right to request a re-assessment for the Support Group should you believe that you meet the criteria, which if successful would result in your ESA(CB) payments being re-instated.

Gordon