Contribution based ESA vs Income based ESA

Careful_with_that_Axe

I have just been migrated from IB and placed on Contributions based ESA, despite the fact I have been too ill to work for almost 5 years.
Income based ESA is more of a passport benefit for things like CCG.

The money from ESA and DLA - HRM and LRC are my only income, so I presume I would "qualify" for income-based ESA.
Can I ask to be put on Income-based ESA to enable me to access other services?

Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks

Cpt.Scarlet

All IB claimants are being transfered to Contribution Based ESA, if you did not receive an Income Support top-up with your IB and the DWP have not included an Income Related ESA component on your current award, then this means you are not currently eligible for ESA(IR). The relevant rates are at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/On_a_low_income/DG_185670

Careful_with_that_Axe

I wasn't eligible for IS top up as my IB was classed as too much.
So I am unable to voluntarily transfer from Contribution based to Income based?

As IB and Contribution-based ESA are not classed as qualifying benefits for Budgetting loans, CCG etc, this is stopping a whole lot of people from accessing help. It could stop me being able to take up the offer of a permanent home adapted to suit my disabilities

MrsManda

You 'may' be able to request an assessment for income related ESA but you'll have to speak to your advisor at the JCP to see if that's possible. Do you have any income other than ESA? Do you have a partner?

Careful_with_that_Axe

No partner. Only income other than ESA is DLA.

KxMx

I qualified for IB under the youth rules so it's even more unfair for me that I will go onto Contributions based.
Another year of paying for prescriptions, getting less help with other health costs and just a tiny council tax discount for my Mum!


I would be interested to see if you are able to changeover as I have no partner and IB is my only income.