Transfer from CB ESA to IR ESA

Foxy16

Hi, my WFI consultant told me that when my contribution based ESA ends I will either have to go on JSA (which I would think is impossible as after my ESA medical earlier this year, it was stated that I am unfit for work for the next 2 - 3yrs at least), or fill in an ESA3 re-assessment form, which will possibly entail another medical. Is this correct, do they not transfer you automatically? I live on my own, have no savings and no other income, any help gratefully appreciated. Diane

Cpt.Scarlet

Some of the facts but not all and a lot or inaccuracies.

When your ESA(CB) ends, you can transfer to ESA(IR) if you meet the means test, this will require you to complete an ESA3 form about your finances, but will not result in an another assessment except by co-incidence.

If you aren't eligible for ESA(IR) then your options will depend on how long you have been on ESA(CB) and any benefit before it.

If you were only on it for a year, and worked before that, then you may still have enough NI Contributions to make a new claim for ESA(CB). If you think this is the case, then I would recommend getting advice as there is a particular procedure you need to follow.

If you haven't worked for some time then you won't be able to re-claim ESA(CB) OR JSA(CB) OR JSA(IR), as the qualification requirements are the same, and you will already have failed them.

Foxy16

Thanks for replying, he gave me the ESA3, which is massive and has loads of pages to fill out, is this right?

I went on IB Feb. 2005, and got migrated to CB ESA early this year, so does that mean I won't qualify for IR ESA, if so, what do they expect me to live on, sorry for all the questions, but I find it worrying and confusing. Diane

Cpt.Scarlet

Whether you qualify for ESA(IR) is dependant on you and any partners income, your assets, and any hours your partner works.

The ESA3 form asks about all of the above, you will need to fill it in if you want to be transferred to ESA(IR), whether you are eligible will depend on your financial situation.

Income, not a precise figure but if your family income is more the £152/w after tax, you probably won't qualify

Assets, if you have more than £16,000 between you, you won't qualify, more than £6000 and they will make deductions at £1 for £250 above the 6K from your payments.

If your partner works more than 24 hours a week, you probably won't qualify unless they meet one of the exceptions.

Good luck

Foxy16

Thanks, I should get it then as I live on my own, have no savings and no other earnings, just found it confusing about the NI contributions, having been on sickness for so long. Diane