pregnancy

Hi all

I would be very grateful if anybody could give me some advice on the above topic.

A friend of mine is 33 weeks pregnant and just received today her letter off the DWP in ref to her ESA, yes you guessed it she failed her medical, she as other unline heath problems but still failed. Firstly they told her had she been 34 weeks pregnant she would not of been called for a medical. They are now advising her to apply for JS for christ sake. Spoke to her this morning she is so stressed out and does'nt know which way to turn, i told her about this web page that i go on and she aksed me to ask all you nice people out there if you could advise her on her next step.

Regards

Hi, this may help with your question;

www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/life/benefi...nefits_for_maternity

I don’t know the answer to your friends problem.

However, I had a friend who was around 38 weeks pregnant and she was called for interview under the old ‘signing on’ system.

She was told she was classed as available for work?

She went to the interview and asked them to find her a position that earns over £40,000 but would allow her to have maternity leave in two weeks time.

The interviewer went through the motions of trying to find her a job, with out a sense of humour at the ridiculousness of the situation or indeed any ounce of common sense.

Hi snugglesxxx65

I'm slightly confused by your post. You say she failed the medical but was told that (firstly) she would not undertake one.

Did she apply for ESA, attend a medical (after they changed their mind), get a decision letter stating that she is fit for work, and then get told that she should claim JSA?

Derek

Hi derek

When she went for her medical she was only 31 weeks pregnant if she had been 34 weeks the time of the medical they said they would not of called her in for a medical.

The letter she got today states she not entiled to ESA but to apply for JSA because she is fit for work but she as other underline health issues, which did not take into consideration.

I have been looking on different web sites and she should be entiled to IS.

Regards

Hi snugglesxxx65

She is fully entitled to appeal the adverse ESA decision and claim ESA at the assessment rate pending appeal, provided that a month has not elapsed since the decision and that she continues to submit 'fit' notes.

She should also be able to claim Income Support (not at the same time) for being pregnant and due to have her baby within 11 weeks.

It would probably be best for her to get face-to-face advice, as other factors would need to be considered before deciding what's the best move.

Hope this is helpful

Derek