IB versus ESA and savings. Really worried

Joraine_2

Hi

I have been on IB for over 20yrs. (before anybody shouts - yes I really am ill and no I really can't work - but would do so if I could). Had an IB medical with a Doctor last year who reaffirmed that I am too ill to work.

My IB is non means tested. I think everybody on IB is being moved over to ESA which I think is means tested.

I have no savings but my partner has recently retired and has received a lump sum of £20,000.

When they move me over to ESA will I receive any payment or will my partner's savings disqualify me? Am I also right in thinking I won't get I.S. for the same reason? Resulting in me being entitled to no benefits?

It is really scary posting on this thread - please be kind.

Blackpool_Saver

I don't have the answer but wanted to send hugs..........

Indie_Kid

Those on IB would be transferred to ESA contributions based.

Oldernotwiser

When do you reach state pension age?

Joraine_2

Many thanks to the people who have taken time to reply.

Although I understand the individual words of what SH1305 has said - I don't understand what the implications are.

Does it mean that (assuming I have made enough N I contributons - I paid them before I took ill and the Gov has paid them ever since) I will be allowed to claim ESA or will I be prevented from claiming because my partner has £20,000 retirement lump sum.

I read somewhere that if you or your partner has more than £16,000 you can't claim ESA or I.S.

I am 55yrs old and female so still at least 10yrs off being able to collect a pension. I am not up to date on the benefit system - simply receive IB in my bank every month. So please be patient with me if I ask obvious questions.

Thanks for the hug - aren't Blackpool doing great.

Mojisola

I don't know much about ESA yet. My son is on IB and we are worrying about what will happen to him when he gets changed over. I'll watch to see the answers you get.

You won't be entitled to any contribution-based benefits if you've been on IB for twenty years. You will have been credited with your pension contributions but that's all.

Do you claim DLA? If you are permanently too ill to work, it would be worth applying.

GlasweJen

Because IB was contributions based you will be moved onto contributions based ESA which you will receive indefinitely until you are assessed as being fit to work. This means that savings, partners income etc will not be looked at.

This is not the case for people who receive income support due to incapacity.

stazi

The OP will only transfer from IB to ESA provided they score 15 points to pass the ESA medical called WCA. More info is here-
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_188859

babymoo

Mojisola wrote: »

Do you claim DLA? If you are permanently too ill to work, it would be worth applying.

Regardless of how long you have been too ill to work if you dont have any care needs then you won't get DLA.

Oldernotwiser

babymoo wrote: »

Regardless of how long you have been too ill to work if you dont have any care needs then you won't get DLA.

Care needs or mobility problems.

Joraine_2

Many thanks to all who have replied. All the abbrevitations and subclauses people use are really hard when you are just beginning to understand a system.


If I am right - (maybe not) - if I am seen as unfit to work I'll move onto a contributin based benefit which won't take my partner's retirement lump sum into account.

BUT if I am seen as fit to work I will move over to a different system. What happens then!!! Worse case - they see me fit for work - am I entitled to any benefit ( ignore DLA) even though my partner has just received a retirement lump sum of £20,000. I think I don't qualify for Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance as my partner will have savings over £16,000.

Please stay with me - answers may seem obvious to you -but they are as clear as mud to me!!!!