Can you claim both contribution based and Income related ESA?

natasha-lucy

hello

i'll try and keep this brief. i was migrated from ib to esa -support group (contribution based) in feb with no probs. i am single, no children, live on my own, have no savings, have no other income and claim hb. i did one of those benefit checkers today and it said i could be entitled to a top up payment of income related esa as the income related esa is more than i get on the contribution esa? i rang up the benefits office and they are sending me a form. does anyone know if this is true? and if so would i then be entitled to free prescriptions etc.?

thanks in advance
nat

[Deleted User]

yes its true

Horseunderwater

Yes it is correct, you should have been told that you will be on the £71/week for approx 13 weeks then you get moved to income related after that. Have they sent you any forms re income to complete? If not ring them up and ask or print one off on line.
You said you were incapacity before this, so do you also claim DLA? You might also qualify for that if you have mobility or care needs.