Welfare Reform Bill and ESA (contrib based)

red937

Hi All

I have been claiming contribution based ESA for over 2 years. I have over £16 k in a bank account.

As I understand it, when the Welfare Reform Bill takes effect in April, anyone on contribution based ESA for over a year will be means tested. If you have savings under £6K you will be transferred over to ESA (means tested). As I have savings over this amount, I will no longer be able to claim ESA.

So, I have been expecting a form from the DWP asking about my financial circumstances as April gets closer but as yet, I haven't received anything.

Does anyone know when / if the DWP will be contacting ESA (contrib) claimants and asking about their financial circumstances?

lj123

It will all depend on whether you are in the support group or the work related activity group. If you are in the support group then you can continue to receive contribution based ESA. If you are in the work related activity group and have been for over a year then the benefit centre will be contacting you at some point over the next month to apply for income related ESA. if you have savings between £6k and £16K then you may still be entitled to Income related ESA but at a reduced rate.

red937

I'm in the WRAG. I thought I would have heard from the DWP by now.

lj123

From what I am told they started contacting customers from last wednesday (29/02/12) so i would expect the phonecall anytime soon.