Worse off on ESA (Conts) than ESA (Income) - cannot change it

rode_tulpen

I've split up from my husband and am now living separately from him, with our kids. I'm currently on long term ESA(Conts), childrens tax credits and child benefit - there's no income from elsewhere. I asked the JCP if I could be moved over to Income based as I thought the total income was below the applicable amount, but apparently they can't so now I am looking to move into a private rented house, I cannot get help from the Community Care grant for help with furniture, help with NHS charges without filling yet another form in, nor is any help available from Warm Front to help keep my new place warm (I didn't have much choice in properties due to my situation and severe lack of rental properties).
I feel so cheesed off that I am in the same situation financially as an Income based claimant but need to find money from somewhere to purchase furniture, beds, fridge, etc, even from eBay or charity shops

Muttleythefrog

Hmmm.. I think they might be wrong. I think you can ask to be assessed for IR ESA at any time... ask the DWP for an ESA3 form. Unfortunately I've searched and can't find on online version... seems some jobcentres even claim not to have the form when enquired about.

Refer this document http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/esa-changes.pdf

Claimants can ask to be considered for ESA (IR) at any time. To do this, [FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]claimants [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=Arial,Arial][FONT=Arial,Arial]will not have to make a new claim but [/FONT][/FONT]they will need to contact Jobcentre Plus and complete a form, called an ESA3

Getting advice from DWP regarding ESA is a minefield... they don't have a clue.

BigAunty

Is it the case that there rules that make a claimant either contributions based (if they have paid enough contributions) or income based (if they don't qualify for c-based), rather than it being a type that the claimant selects?

Double check all your benefits on the Turn2us online benefit calculator. The child support payments made by your ex are on top-of, not instead of your benefits - see the CSA site to understand the percentage of their salary they should be paying if there isn't an agreed negotiated settlement.

For free furniture, put a wanted ad and scan offers on sites like freecycle, gumtree freebies, freecycle, freeshare or similar in your area. Some independent or national charities also donate kitchenware, furniture,appliances for free for those in need.

For other posters, are there other forms of loans from the DWP that the claimant can apply for, such as a budgeting loan, to cover their new household expenses?

rode_tulpen

Thanks for the reply. They did send me an ESA3 form which I did fill in and send back - their response was "you're better off on Conts Based".
I've asked for an explaination but nothing is forthcoming yet...

rode_tulpen

I've looked at a budgeting loan but, just as with a Community Care grant, you have to be in receipt of an income-based benefit to apply.
It's ridiculous really cos when the ESA runs out next July under the 12 mth rule, I'll be eligible to go on income based esa...

Dunroamin

Can't you get some of the furniture from the marital home?

rode_tulpen

I may be able to get a few things but not stuff like washing machine or fridge, beds, wardrobes, etc due to the situation of the separation (something I do not want to discuss). If I could get those things I would...