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Original poster

I am on income related ESA, aren't I?

16 replies

TabbyBeast · 13/04/2023 08:44

I just received my updated award notice for ESA and I'm going through a flare up of my condition at the moment and I'm suffering from awful brain fog so any help would be appreciated.

I thought I was on income related ESA and the letter seems to suggest I am but I'm thrown by the comment on entitlement to contribution based ESA section.

I've attached the letter if anyone can make sense of it. Thank you!

I am on income related ESA, aren't I?
OP posts:
LifeBeginsNow · 13/04/2023 09:00

I had this happen and when I phoned to check (as I wasn't sure which I had been awarded anyway), it was a mistake their end.

I'm on contribution based which I understand is because I was earning in the qualifying period but I haven't worked for a long time now so should be on income based. I'm reluctant to call and ask for a review in case they stop it altogether. Plus they take forever to answer the phone!

Probably worth calling to confirm and ask for an updated letter to be sent out in case you need it as evidence for other things.

Lovestodrinkmilk · 13/04/2023 09:25

If you paid enough NI contributions before your claim started you will be on contribution-based ESA which is not means tested, at least initially. As far as I can remember, if you are in the Support Group, this continues indefinitely, but rules are different depending on when your claim started. I interpret your letter as meaning you are entitled to and getting contribution based ESA. Beware that if you receive an ill-health pension from work, that is taken into account even for contribution-based ESA and you should declare it.

The Disability Rights Handbook is useful (buy from their website as you'll get a big discount). Or ask on the forums at the Benefits and Work website.

SouthCountryGirl · 13/04/2023 09:58

The first page of that letter - does it say on there?

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

Benefits
Original poster
TabbyBeast · 13/04/2023 10:38

SouthCountryGirl · 13/04/2023 09:58

The first page of that letter - does it say on there?

First page of the letter doesn't mention Income or contribution 😕 "Your claim for employment and support allowance - changes in social security benefits". Why can't these letters be written in plain English?? Well, we know why I guess.

I'm 48, worked full time from aged 19 until I became ill aged 35 so I was receiving contributions based but I'm sure I changed over to income based but can't find any letters. Seems a long time to be on contributions based?

I will have to call them to check as like most of you have said, it does affect other entitlements.

I can update the thread with what they say as some of you seem to be in the same boat. Wish me luck!

OP posts:
SpringHasSprungAtLast · 13/04/2023 11:00

Gosh, I didn't know you could switch. Will it affect National insurance contributions for your state pension though?

Original poster
TabbyBeast · 13/04/2023 11:18

I thought it changed to income related when your contribution based ran out? I've never checked. I'm getting really anxious. I'm on hold with Jobcentre Plus now...

OP posts:
Original poster
TabbyBeast · 13/04/2023 12:37

LifeBeginsNow · 13/04/2023 09:00

I had this happen and when I phoned to check (as I wasn't sure which I had been awarded anyway), it was a mistake their end.

I'm on contribution based which I understand is because I was earning in the qualifying period but I haven't worked for a long time now so should be on income based. I'm reluctant to call and ask for a review in case they stop it altogether. Plus they take forever to answer the phone!

Probably worth calling to confirm and ask for an updated letter to be sent out in case you need it as evidence for other things.

Ok. I've just spoken to jobcentre plus and as lovestodrinkmilk says, as I'm in the support group my ESA award is indefinite so I stay on contributions based rather than move to income based after 365 days.

I receive tax credits so qualify for free prescriptions and dental care that way.

They really don't make it easy to understand in the letters and I had to wait over an hour to get through to them to clarify.

Thank you everyone for your replies

OP posts:
uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/04/2023 12:48

You are on contribution based( as am I) it is based on your NI contributions
Usually that lasts for a year, but if you're in the support group, this continues indefinitely
As it's not income related you will have missed out on the COL payments too( as have i)

uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/04/2023 12:50

Sorry I missed your last post( I type slowly!)

SpringHasSprungAtLast · 13/04/2023 13:14

It's a pain to miss out on so much isn't it. It should surely be that ESA is ESA and if you need the support group then that should surely indicate you most likely won't be topping up your income with a new job or promotion any time soon!

uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/04/2023 14:01

I completely agree
I actually enquired whether I could swap to UC but they told me I'd be worse off!
I get enhanced rates on both components of PIP so I do get £150 for that

SpringHasSprungAtLast · 13/04/2023 14:16

Likewise re pip. I could do with the income based other stuff though, being single parent too! But hey ho, that's just how it goes.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/04/2023 14:42

The £150 is disguised as " extra help" but what they don't say is that recipients of PIP now don't qualify for the warm home discount which is £150
Nothing we can do about it!
I live alone now, but it must be so hard being a single parent now

SpringHasSprungAtLast · 13/04/2023 14:49

Hard for the kids I think. In a way, I was poor growing up so it at least teaches you that you can survive with little money (a comfort when prices rocket like they have done recently) but also a discomfort because it's always much nicer to have spare cash and be able to afford a trip out, cinema or a simple haircut rather than a Mum-bodge-job instead!

Original poster
TabbyBeast · 13/04/2023 22:50

uncomfortablydumb53 · 13/04/2023 14:42

The £150 is disguised as " extra help" but what they don't say is that recipients of PIP now don't qualify for the warm home discount which is £150
Nothing we can do about it!
I live alone now, but it must be so hard being a single parent now

Oh don't get me started on the warm home Discount! I've qualified for the past several years but this year apparently DWP can't confirm I receive certain benefits so I've had to send proof to them of my benefit decision / award! Luckily I chased it before the 28th Feb cut off so once they receive my proof of benefit I should still get it applied to my energy account.

It does seem odd as pp said that the likely most ill claimants remaining on contributions based ESA potentially miss out on help with medical / dental treatment but I suppose contributions based means you get the full amount of ESA? It's all so complicated when you are at your least best to stay on top or navigate the system.

Wishing you all the very best ❤️

OP posts:
LifeBeginsNow · 14/04/2023 16:56

Can anyone clarify for me then, if I'm on contribution based ESA and in the support group, will I not be able to switch to income based ESA? I think this is the one that opens more doors in terms of help with prescriptions, etc.

Also, further up someone mentioned that being in the support group was for life. Is that true that now I'm in it, they won't take it off me? It's always in the back of my mind that I might lose these benefits and it terrifies me.

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