esa claim and processes to go through

Hi,

First time on this forum. Have recently applied for esa after 12 months of debating whether i should or not. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 10 years ago, medically retired out of teaching on the grounds of ill health last year and in receipt of a small pension. I'm not doubting that I am entitled to claim esa in the 'contribution section' as i have sufficient NI contributions within the last 6, never mind 2 years the DWP request.

My question is, after filling in the claim form and sending every piece of medical documentation I have from my neurologist, MS nurses who have cared for me, a letter from Teachers' Pensions who state that not only can I no longer teach, but they don't think I can undertake any other 'gainful employment', as well as 2x doc sick notes as requested, will I still have to fill in a medical questionnaire and attend a medical interview in order to prove that I cannot undertake work? I am in receipt of DLA for both the mobility and carers part, awarded at the higher rate for both 'for lifr' - well at least until the DWP contact me re changing to PIP now.

Any advice anybody can offer me would be much appreciated. Thank you. Julie

Hi Cossack and welcome to the forum. This link will help you find your way around the site

Welcome to Benefits and Work

entitlement to ESa does not depend on the claimant never being able to work again but by meeting very specific criteria. therefore you will have to fill in an ESA50 form, and possibly undergo a face2face assessment, before a decision is made.

Qualifying for the WRAG

Qualifying for the Support Group

You can get a head start on filling out the form by downloading the PDF version and making a start on it, using our ESA claim guides as you go along

Using The PDF Version Of The ESA50 Questionnaire

ESA claims and appeals

I'm afraid that even contributary ESA can be affected by occupational pension. The first £85 per week will be discounted, then 50p ESA will be lost for every extra £ pension received

The rest of our ESA FAQs are here, it is worth having a look at them

ESA FAQs

I suggest that you bookmark this page so that you can return to it easily in future. that way. You will be able to refer back to the links and also return to ask any further questions. It helps us if everything is kept in one place