Is there a middle ground between ESA and JSA?

[Matt Bianco]

Of course there's no middle ground between ESA and JSA, but here's my
situation.

I have just pulled out of a job because of depression (no sick note
from GP yet). I do want to work but I don't think I can stand a full
time job but I would be prepared to try a part time job (16hrs or
less), but due to lack of references this might not be an easy task,
therefore I need to have some sort of financial help.

Which of the two benefits should I apply for? I don't think I could
apply for JSA becasue I quit the job myself, can I?

At the same time it seems that to qualify for ESA you must not be able
to work at all? What is my best option?

Matt

[Niteawk]

Post by Matt Bianco
Of course there's no middle ground between ESA and JSA, but here's my
situation.
I have just pulled out of a job because of depression (no sick note
from GP yet). I do want to work but I don't think I can stand a full
time job but I would be prepared to try a part time job (16hrs or
less), but due to lack of references this might not be an easy task,
therefore I need to have some sort of financial help.
Which of the two benefits should I apply for? I don't think I could
apply for JSA becasue I quit the job myself, can I?
At the same time it seems that to qualify for ESA you must not be able
to work at all? What is my best option?
Matt

As you intentionally made yourself unemployed, they can sanction you for
this. So you won't get JSA straight away if you sign on. As to how many
weeks they can sanction you for, it varies. Each case has its own merits.

I don't know how the hell you deduced you have depression without seeing a
doctor, not that it matters to me.You qualify for ESA if you are ill, see a
doctor ASAP to get signed off, then apply for ESA when you have the cert.