Tariff income and ESA [contribution based]

weanie

I had just begun to look for a new job after Xmas and begun a claim for contribution based JSA. Almost immediiately, I became very seriously ill and the lady at the Jobcentre suggested applying for ESA instead of JSA which I was awarded.
I am still very ill but receiving chemotherapy and have a diagnosis and some hope of a recovery. I have been advised to apply for DLA and am awaiting a decision. My lovely daughter has given up everything to come to car for me.
My problem at the moment is that I have received a request from the Jobcentre for very precise details of an investment property I own. I have completed all this with as much detail and info as I can and sent it off but my question is - WAS I WRONGLY CLAIMING CONTRIBUTION BASED ESA IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES AS I HAVE NO WISH TO DO ANYTHING UNDERHAND?
Sorry about the length of the query but this is causing quite a bit of stress and worry today.

epitome

No, I'm pretty sure, you have nothing to worry about. They are just assessing you for ESA IR.

pmlindyloo

Contribution based ESA does not take into account any savings or investments (pensions are taken into account)

When you claim contribution based ESA you are also assessed to see if you have an entitlement to Income based ESA because this 'passports' you to other benefits such as Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefits.

My sister received contribution based ESA but because she had no other income and little savings she was assessed to receive contribution based ESA with an income related addition. This meant she was entitled to CTB and Housing Costs.

Nothing to worry about and good luck with your recovery.

epitome

And don't forget if you are paid ESA C to begin with you can't get free prescriptions dental opticians etc, to get these you must apply using a an HC1 form from your doctor, otician dentist or by phoning for one, number is on the direct gov website.

bitsandpieces

You could have millions in the bank and claim contribution-based ESA if you wanted - you don't need to worry about an investment property. If Jobcentre Plus start being awkward about things (no reason why they should, but they can be a pain) it's worth looking to see if Macmillan/CAB in your area can deal with them: you likely don't need the stress yourself at the moment. By the way, if you're being treated for cancer you can get free prescriptions in England regardless of income - you should be able to pick up a form from a pharmacist, if you haven't already. You can also sometimes get reduced hospital parking costs (though this depends on area)

Hope you do get the recovery you hope for.

epitome

sangio wrote: »

Hang on that isn't right surely?

Hi I can assure you it is right, what is not right is this bit

pmlindyloo wrote: »

When you claim contribution based ESA you are also assessed to see if you have an entitlement to Income based ESA

It is actually the other way around, when you claim Income related you automatically get assessed for contributions based.

sangio wrote: »

You can claim only for contribution based and have no reason or need to fill in the rest of the form. The DWP have no idea what savings I have or such like as it has nothing to do with them. Yet I receive Contribution based ESA and have done since October 2009.

If they say that you can't have contribution based then and only then do you claim for the means tested one.

For someone who is claiming and receiving a contribution based benefit (ESA or JSA) the DWP have no right to request this type of info. They can only ask about pensions as they affect the contribution based benefit.

Yes, you can claim just for contributions based and these questions about the other house would not have been asked. But what you will find is that the OP applied for ESA IR and has had her assessment for Conts copmpleted, they have awarded her ESA conts, and now they are still working on her ESA IR claim, hence the questions about the other house.

The OP could if she wants just tell them to stop the IR claim and leave it on Conts. But she would want the IR claim if there is a partner or mortgage . or rent (but not strictly speaking for rent/counciltax)

missapril75

Not to forget that DLA has been applied for and, if awarded, will trigger premiums which in turn would trigger the income related entitlements and not just conts based.

Perhaps the person who suggested ESA considered this and suggested applying for both elements, hence the enquiry.

weanie

Well - thanks for all the replies - it is most encouraging. My meds all seem to be dished out for free from Oncology so far but I'll ask about the form suggested.
Just to clarify though - I have never knowingly tried to claim Income Related benefits and have been baffled by the forms they have sent me. My mind is a bit of a mush lately
It takes ages waiting in a queue to ask someone on the phone 'Why?' and usually they just tell you to fill in the form and 'have a go'. One operative pondered that perhaps my NI contributions may be coming ot an end the latest suggestion is that perhaps the value of the rentednhouse can be counted as tariff income and so show that I have more than £16,000 in savings. I wondered if they sent a form as I had notified then of a change of circumstances in that I had begun chemotherapy.
Anyway - we'll see what they decide to do with my full disclosure of income
thanks again all

epitome

If you claimed housing Benefit or council tax benefit as part of your ESA claim it would bring up these questions aswell about savings and assets.

weanie

Thanks - but I have not claimed anything and I own my own house and pay full council tax.

epitome

When you claimed ESA did you ask for conts only?

Did they ask how much money you had in your bank accounts?