From ESA to JSA but why?

UKTigerlily

Hi everyone, I could really do with some help here. I have been in the support group and claiming ESA for just over a year now. On 22nd I went to a compliancy interview at the Jobcentre; I took my last three months bank statements, passport and tenancy agreement.

When I got there the interview took minutes, the adviser looked at everything and said they are calling in everyone on ESA just to check that our situation hasn't changed. She asked me questions about if I was still single, if I had any children etc and that was it.

Nothing was asked about my medical problems or if they had improved or what they were, nothing at all. It was just a check into the financial side of things and she was satisfied and said that it was the easiest one she'd seen all day.

Today I checked my online bank statement and have been paid JSA. I've had no letters about this to say i've been changed from ESA, haven't claimed for it or filled anything in for it and nothing was mentioned at the interview about me doing so.

Can they change me from ESA to JSA without a word, without getting me to sign the agreement or state when I sign on or anything at all? I don't know if i'll still get ESA as that wouldn't hit the bank until Monday. Of course, now is the weekend so I can't call them to see until Monday and am confused and stressed as I don't know if this replaces ESA and I can spend it (I need money!) or if it's a mistake and will need to go back.

I also am worried as i'm not able to work or look for work, wouldn't they put me into the other ESA group first? Nothing at the interview went into my medical problems at all and I still am single and not doing any paid or voluntary work at all.

Any advice will be very gratefully recieved and thanks for reading if you got this far!

Poppie68

Strange. What did they say when you rang them?

NYM

If the amount you've received is the same as normal, then I'd be inclined to believe it's just a payment reference used and not that you've been moved onto JSA.


*edit*

This post from the poster epitome explains it so well

epitome wrote: »

You don't have to phone them. This is perfectly normal.

ESA and JSA share the same platform at DWP. When a faster payment is made then DWP have to code the payment as JSA.

Your payment did not go out on its normal release date, the DWP noticed this and fixed whatever had stopped it and then released it early as a faster payment so that you can have your money on time.

I have told people this before on this board, usually they don't believe me and they waste their time and money by calling DWP only to be told exactly this.

See the last one here
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4995952

UKTigerlily

I haven't been able to call yet as they probably won't open again until Monday, though I will try in the morning anyway just in case. It is about £30 less than usual and has my NI# and JSA, instead of EESA or something which would go in this Monday 1st.

Thanks for replying both x

NYM

UKTigerlily wrote: »

I haven't been able to call yet as they probably won't open again until Monday, though I will try in the morning anyway just in case. It is about £30 less than usual and has my NI# and JSA, instead of EESA or something which would go in this Monday 1st.

Thanks for replying both x

You're welcome.

Please don't worry, there may have been some 'glitch' in the system.

UKTigerlily

Thank you everybody and especially to NYM, that could well explain things! It is slightly less than usual but from time to time changes due to my gas or electric payments changing so that could be why it's a different amount.

I won't bother to call them now, thanks so much!

Poppie68

I would still call them as you say the money is in earlier than expected and is titled JSA, if there is a problem or a mix up it's better to sort sooner rather than later especially with Christmas so close.

richard9991

There could be glitch in system and done same day payment so that could be why it early also ESA AND JSA are paid off the same system and same day payments always have JSA as the reference

epitome

You might phone them for an explanation of what the current award rate and deductions are because of the £30 difference, and to confirm your ESA is still open, there is a slight risk that the £30 difference could be an indication that your ESA claim has been closed and hence, it is not a full 2 weeks payment.

It certainly is not a JSA payment, it is an ESA faster payment.

Poppie68

Why would a fast payment of been made their payment isn't due until Monday?

epitome

It could be ...

Someone is an idiot,
Someone is feeling generous
OP is confused.
The claim has been closed.

OP what are the last two digits on your NI number?