ESA claim

Poppypetals

Hi, this is my first post. I am in turmoil at the moment. I have been claiming the old Incap benefit since 2001. I was assessed at a medical in 2007. I failed the medical and they stopped my benefit. I appealed and won the case and had my benefit backdated and reinstated.

Then the benefit changed name and I just carried n getting it under the new name.

Last week my money wasn't paid in and I contacted the benefit people. I was told my NI contributions had now run out and I needed to apply to get the income based ESA now. I have the form and sent it back today.

My condition has worsened alot last year. I have written this on the notes section of the form. They didn't ask for any proof of my disabilites...does this mean it is just a formality in changing my benefit over? I am very worried about this as I live on this money. I was so shocked they never even informed me the money was stopping.

Could anybody offer me any advice please?
Thank you.

HB58

It sounds as if you were put into the 'work related activity' group of ESA. This only pays for 365 days on a contributory basis. The DWP are supposed to notify claimants before the money stops but, like with many things they are supposed to do, it doesn't always happen!

The form you should have been sent is an ESA3 and this will look soley at your financial situation* to see if you are entitled to income-related benefit.

Your ESA will be reassessed for medical entitlement seperately at some stage, whether or not you qualify for the income-related benefit.

* and those of any partner with whom you live (or are deemed to by DWP).

Poppypetals

Thank you for your reply. I have never had to submit any evidence of my disabilities for some years now. I also get DLA at the lower rate.

I am single. Yes the form was all about my financial state of affairs. I have never had to go for work related activity things before. Does it sound like I am having to go through the whole system again regarding proving myself unfit for work?

HB58

No, at the moment you are purely being assessed to see if you qualify for income-related ESA. At some stage you will be sent an ESA50 form to complete with details of the limitations caused by your condition/s.