Income and Contributory ESA

greenfarm

Info needed please - I have been accepted for contributory ESA and also accepted for DLA. I used the benefit checker on this site to see what was what, and it showed that I could also claim income based ESA due to my financial situation. Do I have to apply for this or (because DWP said in the ESA award letter that if I hadn't have had enough contributions I would have received income based) will DWP automatically award the income based ESA?

Thank you

Horseunderwater

Of course you can apply to change it to Income related ESA. To do so after getting the award - you'll need form ESA3. Ring up the number on the top of the award notice and ask them to send one out or if you can get to a Job centre plus office they can give you one there. It will ask you to confirm your income details and any savings held. It will also ask if you get DLA and you need to complete this bit as it means that you should get an extra payment added onto the ESA award. £15.15/week for a single person. It will also mean that you will be able to obtain free prescription for medicines when needed, Free eye tests and help with cost of the glasses to a value of £64.20 and very important free NHS dental treatment. The last being very useful.

greenfarm

Thanks Horseunderwater. I did some further digging and called the ESA office and they said that I needed a IS 10 form, and the extra payment would be £58? I am very confused!

Horseunderwater

greenfarm wrote: »

Thanks Horseunderwater. I did some further digging and called the ESA office and they said that I needed a IS 10 form, and the extra payment would be £58? I am very confused!

They are wrong as you are on ESA not Income support so you need form ESA3. Trust me on this.

lukieboy96

I phoned up about my ESA as letter said entitled to both contribution and Income related and to phone about Income related part. When I phoned I was told that I was on Income related not contribution? I think they need to 'reword' the letters! I still do not understand it!! Just noted when i phoned them!