Query re contribution based ESA ending soon

cats_rule_dogs_drool

I'm on contribution based ESA (support group) at the moment, but as I didn't have a huge amount of NI stamps, it will end soon, and I'll be on income based alone.

Does this mean that when the change comes about, I'll have to declare / submit proof of savings?

It doesn't bother me too much, but I'm wondering what the process is when the type of claim changes, as I'll have to contact my bank for statements, as all my banking is done paperless.

Thanks in advance

Torry_Quine

Contribution based ESA in the support group doesn't finish after a year but continues as long as you remain in the support group.

HB58

No, it won't change, it doesn't work like that. If you were in the WRAG payment would cease after 365 days unless you were eligible for income related ESA but there is no such limit when in the SG. It bears no relation to how many NI payments you made, that would only matter if you came off ESA then needed to claim again more than 12 weeks afterwards.

cats_rule_dogs_drool

Thank you both of you.

I didn't realise this and find the whole benefits system a nightmare to get my head around.

Do you know if you have to be reassessed on ESA like how it is with PIP? Or do I remain in the support group until I should inform them that my illness has changed?

Thanks again.

Torry_Quine

cats_rule_dogs_drool wrote: »

Thank you both of you.

I didn't realise this and find the whole benefits system a nightmare to get my head around.

Do you know if you have to be reassessed on ESA like how it is with PIP? Or do I remain in the support group until I should inform them that my illness has changed?

Thanks again.

Yes you will be reassessed at some point. You will get an ESA 50 form to complete as before and may need a face to face assessment. If you stay in the support group your money would continue but if the WRAG would only get income based.

HB58

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Yes you will be reassessed at some point. You will get an ESA 50 form to complete as before and may need a face to face assessment. If you stay in the support group your money would continue but if the WRAG would only get income based.

If the OP has not had any time in the WRAG s/he will get the 365 days first.

Torry_Quine

HB58 wrote: »

If the OP has not had any time in the WRAG s/he will get the 365 days first.

Will they. I didn't know that, does time in the assessment phase count?

HB58

Torry_Quine wrote: »

Will they. I didn't know that, does time in the assessment phase count?

Not if the claimant moved straight into the SG from the assessment phase (even if they had to appeal to get there).

cats_rule_dogs_drool

Yes that's my case. I was put straight into the ESA support group without an assessment.
So I don't have to worry until I've claimed for a year?

HB58

cats_rule_dogs_drool wrote: »

Yes that's my case. I was put straight into the ESA support group without an assessment.
So I don't have to worry until I've claimed for a year?

You don't have to worry as long as you remain in the Support Group. It is only time in the contributory WRAG that is limited.