Proving eligibility for ESA if claiming due to coronavirus

Updated DWP guidance confirms the evidence required for those who are self-isolating and those who are shielding

The DWP has updated its guidance to clarify how to prove eligibility for employment and support allowance (ESA) for those who are claiming due to coronavirus (COVID-19).

In an updated version of New Style Employment and Support Allowance, the DWP confirms the evidence required to prove that a person is eligible for ESA if they are self-isolating or shielding due to COVID-19 - 

• where a person, or their child, is self-isolating and therefore cannot work, an isolation note can be obtained online from NHS 111 if the person has been off work for 7 or more days; and
• where a person lives in an area with local restrictions that includes advice to shield, and they or their child need to shield because they’re at very high risk of severe illness from coronavirus, they should receive a letter from their doctor or their health authority.

NB - the DWP advises that once an ESA application has been made, the person will be contacted by phone and told when to give the evidence and where to send it.

New Style Employment and Support Allowance is available from gov.uk