ESA due to end

Sarah69

I have a friend who is on contribution based ESA, she has had a letter to say its ending. What does she do now she is not fit to work as she is waiting for an operation, does she just claim income related ESA? She has depression and anxiety as well so this letter has made things worse for her.

earthbound_misfit

If she has an 'underlying entitlement' to income-related ESA (ie. low income), she should be automatically transferred onto it. However in reality you may have to contact the DWP to make sure this happens. Is there a contact number on the letter? If not, calling your nearest BDC (benefit delievery centre) would be the best bet - you can google the number.

[Deleted User]

does the friend have a partner who works and earns above £150 a week?or savings above the limit?if so then no income based esa
but is the operation for a different illness from the one she currently claims for?

Sarah69

ESA is the only benefit she is claiming. She has applied for industrial injury benefit but is waiting to hear. She rents a room from a male friend (no relationship just platonic friends). It is for the same operation. This September she will have been off work for 4 years. She was made redundant 2 years ago.

HB58

If your friend has no other income, savings under £16000 and no live-in partner's income to be taken into account, then she should get income-related ESA when the contributary benefit ends. Income-related ESA is not time limited.