The ESA is a vital social security program for the people that can no longer find employment because of sickness or disability. But getting there is not very easy and it is also very important to understand what your rights are during the hearing process.
This article has intended to help you to understand the ESA application process and hearing decision and rights.
What Is Employment Support Allowance?
It pays for the people who were unable to find a job because of their health problems. It exists as an instrument for minimizing living expenses and for that reason enable individuals to effectively concentrate on their recovery.
ESA is available to those employees and self-employed Canadians who can fulfill certain requirements.
Types of ESA
There are two main types of ESA application:
- Contribution-Based ESA: This is for those people who availed the enough national insurance contributions.
- Income-Related ESA: This is for those with little or no money, it’s an account type that provides assistance depending on the amount of money a person has saved or earns.
The ESA Application Process
Here is what the application process looks like:
Step 1: Initial Claim
The first process, one must fill in a claim form as the initial procedure of a person’s application for ESA. This can be completed online or by filling out a non on- line pack which can be obtained from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
The form will consist of questions about your personal data, your condition and the way it interferes with your life.
Step 2: Medical Assessment
He or she may need to take a medical examination before you take your claim in accordance with the law. This test which is usually done by a healthcare professional will determine your fitness for work.
Before attending this assessment, the patient must collect all the medical records and notes concerning the patient’s disorder.
Step 3: Decision Notification
Once an assessment is done you will get a decision letter from the DWP in the mail or via email depending on the option you select. If you are applying for the grant, the letter will state the amount of money that will be paid, and time of payment.
Even if your application has been rejected, do not despair, you stand to appeal the decision.
Right to Appeal
The last thing to know about ESA is that if you have your ESA claim denied, you can appeal the decision during the hearing. The initial intervention is to seek a reconsideration, which is mandatory for any processing decision. This is achieved by requesting the DWP to reconsider their decision.
This must be done before the one month period elapses from the time the decision letter was received.
Conclusion
The procedures of applying for ESA are often rather challenging, but learning about each step and your possibilities during a hearing will help you walk through the process stronger. Be informed and be ready from making the initial claim to appellate process so as to get the required support.
