New ESA test etc

I am due an IB50 in April- am wondering whether it will be a new form for ESA, and if so is it different (mental health) Also will the medical be different? Also if put in the work related group do they take into account if you have small children (eg the work focused meetings etc)

many thanks

sarah77 wrote:

I am due an IB50 in April- am wondering whether it will be a new form for ESA, and if so is it different (mental health) Also will the medical be different? Also if put in the work related group do they take into account if you have small children (eg the work focused meetings etc)

many thanks

people with children under 7 are ok on JSA they dont have to look for a job it use to be 12... i would expect the same age rules to be in force for ESA

Hi Sarah

The 14th March 2011 is the latest date that the DWP have given for issuing the new ESA50. I think unless you receive an ESA50 in the very near future you will be assessed under the new WCA.

The test will be different, you can try it here .

I'm not sure what provisions they have for parents with young children who have to attend WFIs, but they have to consider your circumstances for both, attending interviews and work-related activities. Telephone interviews are also a possibility. They certainly can't tell you to leave your children at home on their own!

Regards

Derek

found this its not esa but shows you there thinking

Switching from income support to JSA does not incur immediate financial penalties, but people receiving JSA are expected to be actively looking for work, attending jobcentre interviews and be willing to take employment that fits within their child’s school day. If they refuse work, they can lose up to 40% of their payments. The extension of the plans until the youngest child in a family reaches the age of five was announced at the budget, when the government estimated that a further 100,000 single parents would be affected in 2011, saving £380m between then and 2015.

Hi thanks. It is not JSA / income support but Contribution based Incapacity benefit. My youngest is just a toddler - i couldn't be very happy about taking him to the jobcentre and wouldn't be able to do much with him there anyway he is a bit of a handful. Thanks for your help!