SSP due to run out

[paulamcb]

Easier to do a few posts as have several issues!

 

MY SSP is due to run out, when do i put in my ESA claim?

 

I am off with depression and anxiety will i be able to claim?

 

Worried...

[MIKEY DABODEE]

as soon as your SSP runs out, usually 26 weeks from the first date of sick

 

are you entitled to ESA conts you mention you have a partner who works?

[paulamcb]

he is self employed, lost his main job and only has 4 hours work per week

[MIKEY DABODEE]

you may be entitled to ESA conts or ESA IB then.

 

but being a student will effect

 

 

If you're in full-time education, you may not be able to claim ESA. However, the rules about studying and claiming ESA are different for the two different types of ESA.

 

Education includes attendance at an ordinary school or college, a sixth-form college, a special school or training centre designed specifically for people with disabilities, or home tuition arranged by the Local Education Authority. You must be at least 16 and under state pension age to claim ESA.

 

Contributory Employment and Support Allowance

 

 

You won’t be able to receive contributory ESA if both of the following apply:

 

• you’ve reached the age of 16 but you’re under 19
  
• you’re at school or in other education for more than 21 hours a week
  

These hours don't include teaching specifically designed for students with disabilities that isn't suitable for other students. What counts and what doesn't depends on teaching methods and the nature of the course.

 

If you’re 19 or over, you can still be eligible for contributory ESA even if you’re studying full time.

 

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

 

 

Studying can affect your eligibility for income-related ESA. However, you can still be eligible if one of the following applies to you:

 

• you’re studying part time
  
• you’re studying full or part time and you’re getting Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  

Whether you’re classed as a part-time or full-time student depends on your course. If your course is government funded and in England or Wales, it counts as full time if you have more than 16 guided learning hours a week. In Scotland, your course is full time if structured learning packages take the hours over 16 a week. Otherwise, whether you're in full-time education depends on how your course is classed by the institution at which you're studying.

 

The rules about claiming ESA as a student are complex, so seek advice on whether you're entitled to ESA, about other financial help that you may be able to get as a student, and about benefits that a parent or guardian may be able to claim for you. You can get more information and advice from your local Citizens Advice Bureau or welfare rights organisation, which you can find by searching our directory of local carers' services or by calling the Carers Direct helpline on 0808 802 0202.