Hi All

I have posted on here before but not on this issue....get to the point is i was made redundant in July and have been on JSA since then however last month i blacked out and was taken to hospital via A & E and was admitted for 9 days. This period of time included my signing on day but i could not sign for obvious reasons. My hubby went into our local jobcentre an they told him i would have to apply for ESA. My concern is that the hospital initially told my husband i had a brain tumour, then they said i had had a bleed on the brain, however they finally decided i had fractured my skull in two places and had a scarred liver due to excess alcohol. I must admit i had been drinking quite alot since losing my job along with various other things. The thing is i just blacked out an cant remember a thing about that day. Will they pay ESA to people who over abuse ie alkies and druggies (not that im a druggie or alkie, not had a drink since being discharged)

Any advice appreciated

Thx

Jan

ESA isn't based on the type of condition you have. ESA is based on whether or not you can work.

Yes, ESA can be paid under these circumstances. For the time you were actually in hospital, you should get a Med 10 form from a member of hospital staff - this is a medical certificate that confirms you were a hospital inpatient. For that time you are entitled to full ESA at Support Group rates.

If you need further time to recover, you will need certificates from your GP or specialist. As Nystagmite says, ESA is paid based on your ability to work - you're not disqualified simply because your problems are related to alcohol.

Thank you for the replies....not been online for a couple of days...still managing to stay teetotal but wake up with more of a headache than when i was drinking!!!!!

jan