reduction in benefits on ESA

The_mangler

My husband was changed from IB to ESA last year. He was put into the WRAG group and despite continual pestering from me, his psychiatrist and even his JCP case worker, he refused to appeal to be put into the Support Group as his health was failing further after the stress.
There was lots of info about how nobody would receive less money with the changeover, yet a year on, his contributions based ESA has ended and he is now on Income based with a drop of £30 a week. I only claim carers allowance for him, our child tax credits isnt increasing to make up for the shortfall so we find ourselves the lucky ones for remaining on sickness benefits yet at a loss financially.

Has anyone else found this or am I missing applying for something somewhere. We are already on a DMP, my husband is hoping to take out a DRO and I am facing bankruptcy so money is a battle already without this added stress.

Dogger69

The one year limit on CB ESA was well publicised, this is why your payments have been reduced. He may apply for a supersession if he feels he meets the Support Group criteria, however he needs to be aware that this review could lead to him being found fit for work.

The_mangler

I agree the time limits were well publicised but so was the claim that no one would find themselves worse off financially. My husband's condition has worsened year on year for the past 20 years yet we are now £30 less than ever before. How has this one snuck in, they must be saving a fortune on these savings alone.

Dogger69

The_mangler wrote: »

I agree the time limits were well publicised but so was the claim that no one would find themselves worse off financially. My husband's condition has worsened year on year for the past 20 years yet we are now £30 less than ever before. How has this one snuck in, they must be saving a fortune on these savings alone.

It has not 'snuck in', at no time was it suggested those on IB would be exempt from this time limit.

Torry_Quine

The_mangler wrote: »

I agree the time limits were well publicised but so was the claim that no one would find themselves worse off financially. My husband's condition has worsened year on year for the past 20 years yet we are now £30 less than ever before. How has this one snuck in, they must be saving a fortune on these savings alone.

The claim was that anyone switching over would get the same as they were getting when transferred over and he did get that. The time limit for contriution based ESA was well known and not sneaked in. He also must be receiving DLA as you are getting carer's allowance for him.

I agree that it's hard and you aren't the only one in this situation.

The_mangler

Wow arent some people defensive!

I know all about Contributions being time limited, my argument is why when we were promised the change to ESA would not mean any loss of money do people like myself now find ourselves worse off? I havent read much about that in the papers and it should be made well known that people are receiving less money despite no improvement in their condition.

He is getting DLA but Im not sure of the relevance? Our costs are greatly increased due to living rurally - specialists are 20 miles away, the hospital is over 50 miles away. Times are hard for us all my friends

Torry_Quine

The_mangler wrote: »

Wow arent some people defensive!

I know all about Contributions being time limited, my argument is why when we were promised the change to ESA would not mean any loss of money do people like myself now find ourselves worse off? I havent read much about that in the papers and it should be made well known that people are receiving less money despite no improvement in their condition.

He is getting DLA but Im not sure of the relevance? Our costs are greatly increased due to living rurally - specialists are 20 miles away, the hospital is over 50 miles away. Times are hard for us all my friends

If you were aware the his ESA was limited to one year then what did you think would happen? It's unrealistic to thnk he would get money when others who could be equally as ill or disabled are in exactly the same position. The promise was that when someone changed over they wouldn't loose any money not that it would continue for ever if in the WRAG. I know he didn't want to appeal and he may not have even got into the support group but that's the only way his money would have continued.

skintmacflint

Torry_Quine wrote: »

The promise was that when someone changed over they wouldn't loose any money not that it would continue for ever if in the WRAG.

TQ has hit the nail on the head here. There's thousands of people who've totally lost their ESA after 365 days.Due to a partner who works , even although their joint income is quite low. Their £400 a month loss is significantly more to deal with.

Can't understand why so many people didn't seem to realise when the both the Labour party and Coaliton announced back in 2010 large cuts in public spending lay ahead , that it would probably affect them one day.

If you're having trouble with debts, post a thread on the debt free wannabe board. They've some excellent moeny saving ideas , and will probably be able to help you save £30 per week to balance out the drop in income.

If you're already on reduced repayments for debts, contact the creditors to say you need to reduce it further due to change in circumstances.

The_mangler

I wish I was in the position where I could work, at least there is the option of changing jobs for better money, working more hours etc. As his carer, we have nowhere to go.

Thanks for all your help

snoopy89

the problem is we have herd so much crap of this lot in power its a wonder people don't turn in their graves. you come on here and you end up getting more but you are quite right, the Muppets did say it, no one would be worse off. but hey its the voice of well you don’t think we meant it do you. need I say more. best of luck to you, i hope things work out.;)

rogerblack

The_mangler wrote: »

I agree the time limits were well publicised but so was the claim that no one would find themselves worse off financially. My husband's condition has worsened year on year for the past 20 years yet we are now £30 less than ever before. How has this one snuck in, they must be saving a fortune on these savings alone.

A couple of points.
Firstly, if his condition has worsened since the last assessment - then he may want to consider reporting this.
If he was put into the support group, payments would go back up.
If it has been less than 13 months since the migration from IB - then he can make a late appeal that the decision to place him in the work related group was incorrect.

If he reports a worsening in condition, that may in principle lead to them reassessing his claim, and finding him not eligible.