ESA (Employment and Support Allowance )

[Connemmara]

If one receives the above allowance are they still fit for work - ie called back for interviews etcetc or are you left alone - never to work again


I know a few people's opinions and they dont match.

[sara3]

Employment and Support Allowance consists of two phases:

* the assessment phase rate is paid for the first 13 weeks of your claim while a decision is made on your capability for work through the Work Capability Assessment
* the main phase starts from week 14 of your claim, if the Work Capability Assessment shows that your illness or disability does limit your ability to work.

There are two groups within the main phase:
Work Related Activity Group

If you are placed in the Work Related Activity Group, you will be expected to take part in work focused interviews with your personal adviser. You will get support to help you prepare for suitable work.

In return, you will receive a work related activity component in addition to your basic rate.
Support Group

If you are placed in the Support Group because your illness or disability has a severe effect on your ability to work, you will not be expected to take part in any work. You can do so on a voluntary basis if you want to.

You will receive a support component in addition to your basic rate.

If you are in the Support Group you do not have to go to interviews, but you can ask to talk to a personal adviser if you want to.

[Connemmara]

thanks for your answer - it is for a friend who is going for an interview on 5 November regarding this.

She has been medically retired from her job as a care assistant in a care home (she was there for 30 years) and really would not be fit for any other kind of work. We will see what happens on 5 November. Anyway thanks for taking the time for that lengthy answer. Bye