Martin (not his real name) is a young man who suffers from autism and learning disabilities. He lives at home with his Dad.
Martin has never been able to work. In the past, he claimed Job Seeker’s Allowance (JSA), but an inheritance meant that he was no longer entitled to this payment. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) confirmed that the JSA payments would stop, but if Martin carried on attending the Jobcentre Plus office once every fortnight, his National Insurance contributions would be paid on his behalf, thus enabling him to receive a State Pension in the future.
Our Caseworker, Anna Elwell, felt that Martin should never have been on JSA – he should always have been on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) due to his disabilities and the unlikely prospect of him finding work. In addition, Martin found it extremely stressful and difficult travelling to the Jobcentre Plus and would be expected to apply for jobs and attend courses he was simply unable to understand.
Anna obtained a report from Martin’s GP to state the likelihood of him ever obtaining employment and forwarded this to the DWP, along with a new application for ESA. Anna stated in the cover letter to the DWP that no monetary payment was expected.
A Capability for Work Questionnaire was received and Anna completed this with the help of Martin and his Dad. This was duly sent off to the DWP who instantly turned Martin down for ESA – stating that he would not qualify as he had too much capital.
Anna continued to rebuff this rejection and wrote to the DWP on many occasions, stating that she was aware that there would be no actual payment, but she wanted Martin to receive his pension contributions and not have to attend Jobcentre Plus every fortnight.
After more than a year of delays, the DWP confirmed to Anna that Martin had been placed on ESA, was in the Support Group for ESA, and his pension contributions would be “credited automatically at the end of year”. This means that Martin will be able to continue his day-to-day life without worrying about the need to attend the Jobcentre Plus office or courses designed to ready him for the workplace.
It is a comfort to Martin and his Dad to know that Martin will be entitled to claim a State Pension in the future.
For more information
Please contact Anna Elwell on 0121 212 7454 or anna.elwell@anthonycollins.com.
