ESA Woes

[thegct]

After being sent from pillar to post, I've finally got my ESA claim in, and pending.

 

What I wanted to ask was, as I am 18, I am under the youth rules for ESA, and therefor will receive no money until I have 6 months worth of continuous sick notes. So no money for me until the end of April.

 

Is there anything I can claim whilst I am waiting?, My housing benefit was stopped as I couldn't send proof of income (as I have no income).

As it stands, I've had zero coming in since september, and owe friends thousands of pounds - who are now reluctant to lend more.

 

Anyone know if I can get IS temporarily? Or anything for that matter.

The reason I as ask is I don't want to call up and be pushed from pillar to post all over again, explaining my situation to 20 different people and getting nowhere.

[ErikaPNP]

Ok, this might come across as rude but it's not meant that way.

 

The best thing you can do is call up. We don't know your exact circumstances and without knowing them are not in a position to advise whether you would qualify for another benefit.

 

There is a statutory amount that the law says you need to live on and you can't live on £0.00 for six months.

 

The other thing you could do is go to either the CAB or your local Welfare Rights office. Welfare rights workers have benefit knowledge, work on your behalf for free and will be in a position to help you more as you will be able to have a chat with them, tell them your exact circumstances and they will tell you what your options are and act as your representative if neccessary. You can find them through your local council.

[Zamzara]

Is there anything I can claim whilst I am waiting?, My housing benefit was stopped as I couldn't send proof of income (as I have no income).

 

You should have been able to send a bank statement along with a statement from yourself that you have no income. They are only allowed to ask for things which are reasonable to ask for.

 

Having no income is specifically listed in the HB legislation as something that can qualify you to receive it.

 

You can appeal or make a new claim.

[Zamzara]

Also your ESA should be £47.95, not £0, unless you have savings or other income.