Employment And Support Allowance News

New Style Employment And Support Allowance News

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The New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a vital benefit for individuals who are unable to work due to illness, disability, or health conditions. It was introduced in 2011, this benefit aims to provide financial support to those who are struggling to find employment due to their circumstances.

In this article, we will start from basics of New Style ESA, its eligibility criteria, and the application process, providing a help for those seeking to understand and claim this vital benefit.

What is New Style Employment and Support Allowance news?

New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit provided by the UK government to support individuals who are unable to work due to a health condition or disability. It is designed to help them maintain a decent standard of living while they are unable to work or are in the process of recovering from an illness or injury.

Who is Eligible for New Style Employment and Support Allowance news?

To be eligible for New Style ESA, you must be:

  • Aged 16 or over
  • Under State Pension age
  • Unable to work due to a health condition or disability
  • Not in full-time education
  • Not self-employed
  • Not receiving any other benefits that would affect your entitlement to ESA

Application Process

Applying for New Style ESA involves several steps, including:

  • Completing the ESA50 form, which will be sent to you by the DWP
  • Returning the form within 28 days
  • Attending a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with a healthcare professional
  • Providing any additional evidence required by the DWP

How to Claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance news

To claim New Style ESA, you can apply online or by phone. You will need to provide evidence of your identity, nationality, and residency, as well as proof of your health condition or disability. You may also need to attend a Work Capability Assessment to determine your eligibility for the benefit.

Work Capability Assessment

  • The work capability assessment is used to determine whether you have a limited capability for work.
  • If you are placed in the support group, you will not have to take part in work-related activities, but you can volunteer to do so if you want.
  • If you are placed in the work-related activity group, you must meet work-related conditions, and if you fail to do so, a sanction may be applied.

Types of New Style Employment and Support Allowance

There are two types of New Style ESA:

  • Basic Allowance: This is the standard rate of ESA, which is £73.10 per week for 2022-2023.
  • Support Component: This is an additional amount paid to individuals who are in the support group, which is £28.15 per week for 2022-2023.

How Much Can I Get?

The amount you receive depends on your age, health condition, and whether you are in the basic or support group. Here is a breakdown of the rates for 2022-2023:

  • Basic Allowance: £73.10 per week
  • Support Component: £28.15 per week
  • Higher Rate: £114.25 per week (for those aged 25 or over)
  • Enhanced Rate: £148.35 per week (for those aged 25 or over)

How Long Can I Get New Style Employment and Support Allowance?

New Style ESA can be paid for an indefinite period as long as you continue to meet the qualifying conditions and remain in the support group. If you are in the work-related activity group, your ESA will be paid for a maximum of 12 months.

What Do I Need to Do to Get New Style Employment and Support Allowance?

To get New Style ESA, you will need to:

  • Apply online or by phone
  • Provide evidence of your identity, nationality, and residency
  • Provide proof of your health condition or disability
  • Attend a Work Capability Assessment (if required)
  • Meet the qualifying conditions

Changes to New Style Employment and Support Allowance

There have been several changes to New Style ESA in recent years, including:

  • Changes to the Work Capability Assessment: The assessment is now conducted over the phone due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Changes to the Claimant Commitment: If a medical professional has said you have less than 6 months to live, you will not need a Claimant Commitment and will be placed in the support group after your claim is assessed.
  • Changes to the Severe Disability Premium: The premium is no longer available for new claims.

What you should know?

Here are some important information, you should know:

  • You will need to provide a fit note from your doctor if you have been off work for more than seven days.
  • If you work for an employer and do not get statutory sick pay (or it is ending), you will also need to provide the DWP with form SSP1 (which you get from your employer) as well as a fit note from the first day of your claim.
  • New Style ESA is included in the list of benefits to which the benefit cap applies, but the cap will not apply if you are placed in the support group.
  • ESA can continue to be paid during a temporary absence abroad for the purpose of receiving NHS hospital treatment.

Conclusion

New Style Employment and Support Allowance news is an important benefit for individuals who are unable to work due to a health condition or disability. It provides financial support and helps individuals maintain a decent standard of living while they are unable to work. If you are eligible for New Style ESA, it is important to apply and provide the required evidence to ensure you receive the support you need.

Some Questions

What is New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

New Style ESA is a benefit for people who have a limited capability for work due to illness or disability, and are unable to work or work part-time.

Who can claim New Style ESA?

You can claim New Style ESA if you are under pension age, not entitled to income support, jobseeker’s allowance, or statutory sick pay, and have a limited capability for work due to illness or disability.