Difference between IB & IS

Broke_n_Broken

I know it's late in the day now, but I've always wandered.....

What were the different criteria/reasons for getting IB rather than IS?

Why would you get cold weather payments & free prescriptions on IS but not IB?

ineed

IB is now ESA for new claims, as Is income support I believe. I believe, and someone will correct me if I'm wrong, that IS is paid to top up your money if your on a low income to the amount the government says you need to live on each month. And you get free prescriptions because your on low money. IB is higher pay and for people with long and short term illnesses. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018913
This might help you.

Torry_Quine

IB was given if you had sufficient NI contributions and if not then you got IS which is only given if you met the conditions of means testing. As IB could be claimed no matter what other income then it didn't give you access to free prescriptions, cold weather payments etc whereas IS did as it was means tested.

Both have become ESA, IB has become ESA contribution based and lasts for one year unless in support group whereas IS became ESA income based and gives access to free prescriptions etc.

Broke_n_Broken

Torry_Quine wrote: »

IB was given if you had sufficient NI contributions and if not then you got IS which is only given if you met the conditions of means testing..

Ahh, that explains why I was put on IB, even though I had no means...

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Both have become ESA, IB has become ESA contribution based and lasts for one year unless in support group whereas IS became ESA income based and gives access to free prescriptions etc.

Any way I can make sure I go on income based? I know people see contribution based support group as the holy grail, as it won't be taken off you if you get a partner, but with me, the cold weather & particularly the prescriptions are more important. If I ever got to the stage where a partner could move in, I wouldn't need ESA.
I don't think support group is likely anyway.

Torry_Quine

Broke_n_Broken wrote: »

Ahh, that explains why I was put on IB, even though I had no means...



Any way I can make sure I go on income based? I know people see contribution based support group as the holy grail, as it won't be taken off you if you get a partner, but with me, the cold weather & particularly the prescriptions are more important. If I ever got to the stage where a partner could move in, I wouldn't need ESA.
I don't think support group is likely anyway.

After a year as I said you will only be eligible for income based so depending how long you've been on this may be happening soon. Unless of course you have savings over £16,000.

I see from your other thread that you're waiting to be transferred to ESA. As far as I'm aware though it will be contribution based but you may well be eligible for other help if that's your only income.

Broke_n_Broken

Torry_Quine wrote: »

After a year as I said you will only be eligible for income based so depending how long you've been on this may be happening soon. Unless of course you have savings over £16,000.

It is due soon, but if I am put in support group (not likely, but possible) doesn't that stay contribution based?
I wish I had savings, never mind £16,000 worth. I could save a little, if it wasnt taken up by fuel bills.
I stopped taking meds, partly 'cause I couldn't afford the charges. I have since found that I can get 'em free is I fill in yet another form.
Oh well.

Tally-Ho_2

Broke_n_Broken wrote: »

It is due soon, but if I am put in support group (not likely, but possible) doesn't that stay contribution based?

Oh well.

If transferred from IB (or qualify on application, or by Supercession/Appeal for Contributory ESA) then one would remain on Contributory ESA as long as one remains in the Support Group.

If one is 'relegated' to the Work Related Activity Group at some point then one can receive a total of 365 days of Contributory benefit (including any time previously spent in the WRAG or on Assessment Rate) after which if one qualifies they can them claim Income Related ESA (WRAG). However if one doesn't qualify for Income Related ESA (has too large a portfolio of savings and/or investments, or partner working etc) then one can only receive National Insurance Credits which count towards ones State Pension etc, but no actual payments.

Tally