Change over from Income Support to ESA??

Hiddenidenity

Hi, I recieved a letter this morning stating that my Income support will be switching to ESA. Does anyone know how long this will take? Will they stop my money while they are swapping them over? Will my amount change?

Thanks x

rogerblack

It depends.
What are you currently claiming IS for?
The ESA tests are very different from IS, and how much you get depends on which group you are put in.
To clarify - you do mean IS, not IB?

Hiddenidenity

I claim as a single parent and get the long term sickness element x I couldn't claim IB due to not having enough NI contributions.

suelees1

You'll have to undergo a medical assessment first, it won't be automatic.

Hiddenidenity

suelees1 wrote: »

You'll have to undergo a medical assessment first, it won't be automatic.

The atos medical? Will I be sent for another even though I just had one? I'm not bothered if I do just wondered. I know it won't be automatic which is why I'm asking what will happen in the meantime x

suelees1

No sorry I didn't realise you've just had one as you didn't say. I assume this was part of the migration to ESA?

You're IS will remain as it is until you get a decision. If you meet the criteria you'll move to ESA at the same rate as your long term IS as you have some transitional protection.

Then again your letter might have actually been the decision if you've already had your medical but you only got this letter today. It's impossible to tell without full details.

I'd give the contact centre a ring and ask for a call back from the ESA section

Hiddenidenity

The letter just says we are writing to inform you there will be a change in the benefit we pay you and for a on to say they are changing it over to esa and someone will call me in 2 weeks I suppose I should just wait lol x