Not entitled to ESA

TrixieB

I've been refused ESA *C* because I've not paid enough NI contributions in the applicable years. This was due to a period of self employment despite working ft for the past 18 months. Balls.

Does anyone know when I can re-apply, is it next April or the end of Jan when the year will have shifted along again?

Caz3121

Currently they are using the tax year Apr08-09 and Apr09-10, In January they will change to looking at Apr09-10 and Apr10-11

jetplane

It is something like the week after the first sunday in January so you don't have to wait until end of Jan. If you ring them they will tell you the earliest date to claim.

Katykat

Can I ask if they use the same criteria when deciding if you get contribution or income based ESA? For instance, if you have not paid enough NI in the relevant year and you are sick, then would't you then be entitled to income based ESA rather than contribution based?

andrea_louise

AFAIK income based is for those who live alone and have no other income, and fail the criteria for CB! If this applies, call the dwp first thing monday. Have you been through the medical etc?

Good luck.

TrixieB

No I'm not entitled to income based. I'll reapply in January, thank you for that.

MrsManda

Katykat wrote: »

Can I ask if they use the same criteria when deciding if you get contribution or income based ESA? For instance, if you have not paid enough NI in the relevant year and you are sick, then would't you then be entitled to income based ESA rather than contribution based?

The criteria for ESA CB is simply that you have paid relevant NI contributions. If you don't meet this criteria you can be assessed for ESA IB.

In order to be entitled to ESA IB your household income and savings are assessed and if you have a partner they must work less than 24 hours a week.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_171891