Absence from work

lyndylou63

hi . I have been off sick since august 2017 and have no intention of returning to work due to a deterioration of my condition. If I leave my job because of this will I still be able to claim ESA

exdvr

Hi @lyndylou63......I'm not an employment adviser but have been in a similar situation to yours.  Whatever you are considering right now the one thing you must not do is to make yourself unemployed.  That course of action could and probably would backfire on you big style regarding any sort of benefits.  Leave it up to your employer to decide on your employment status.

Best wishes.

lyndylou63

Ok thanks for that. Does he need to get rid of me once SSP has finished?

CockneyRebel

Your empolyer is under no obligation to terminate your employment. When your SSP runs out there is a form for him to fill out which should enable you to apply for ESA.  They should send you SSP1 4-5 weeks before the end


CR

lyndylou63

Ok I will ask him to send a ssp 1 form. Is that all I need to put a claim in?

CockneyRebel

You might need fit note from your GP but I am sure others can give better advice

here is the link to ESA claim page

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

CR

lyndylou63

Ok thanks for your help

Dean54

Hi I was in the same sort of situation but I was sacked because of all the time I was off sick, (even though I had sick certificates) I've been on ESA for 5 years 

lyndylou63

I have been in touch with welfare rights and they have told me to get a ssp1 form from him. I am going sort out esa next week when I receive it back