End Of Contributions based ESA

chadders1966

Hi,
Apologies if this question has been asked before. I had been on long term Incapacity Benefit, and was transferred to contributions based ESA (WRAG) last year. This is due to come to an end next month. When this happens will I automatically be transferred to IR ESA if entitled, or do I have to do something? As far as I am aware I don't think I will be as I receive a pension of around £100 per week (the DWP know of this as my benefit is already reduced because of it), but I want to make sure I still receive NI credits. My medical assessment is not due for review until some time next year. I assume that I would not be entitled to any other benefits due to my pension. Any advice welcome. Thanks.

oldboy64

chadders1966 wrote: »

Hi,
Apologies if this question has been asked before. I had been on long term Incapacity Benefit, and was transferred to contributions based ESA (WRAG) last year. This is due to come to an end next month. When this happens will I automatically be transferred to IR ESA if entitled, or do I have to do something? As far as I am aware I don't think I will be as I receive a pension of around £100 per week (the DWP know of this as my benefit is already reduced because of it), but I want to make sure I still receive NI credits. My medical assessment is not due for review until some time next year. I assume that I would not be entitled to any other benefits due to my pension. Any advice welcome. Thanks.

You should have appealed the WRAG decision to get into the Support Group.

If you don't appeal you will never know. I appealed and with the additional evidence I sent in and a report from my GP they moved me straight away.

Torry_Quine

You should get a letter to advise that your contribution based is coming to an end and that you an claim income based if relevant. even if you can't get income based you will still be credited with NI credits. I'm in the same position.

It's always a good idea to keep the claim open as if you ever get into the support group your money will start again.

KxMx

I would not entrust the DWP to do it automatically. Get on the phone to them.

HB58

the DWP are being rather remiss in sending out the warning letters! if you haven't heard from them 6-8 weeks before your ESA is due to stop you should contact them and ask for an ESA3.

epitome

You should phone to ask if your ESA IR has already been calculated or do you need an ESA3. We can't tell you this here, some are, some aren't. Some need ESA3, some don't.

If you don't want to phone.....most likely you will need an ESA3, you can pick one up from the jobcentre and return it completed to your ESA BC. Your pension will wipe out any any or most of your entitlement to ESA IR, but still you should fill in the form unless you are going to claim Pension Credit instead.

You can still submit a late appeal on GL24 if you do it really fast. have the GL24 sent by email from a Jobcentre. Give your reasons for the appeal being 1 year late. The maximum appeal period allowed is 13 months from date of decision. If you still have your WRAG decision letter it is 13 months from the date of that letter. Get a GL24 from the jobcentre.

You might be entitled to Pension Credit especially if you are aged over 61.