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A break in contributions-based ESA

I made NI payments throughout my career until being made redundant 2 years ago. After that, I was awarded contributions-based ESA.

I am shortly coming off benefits after a life assurance payout that will take me over the £16k savings limit.

Eventually my savings will be used up and - assuming I don't recover from my health problems and find work - will wish to apply for ESA again.

How are contributions considered? Over a lifetime? Or over the immediate period preceding the claim? Is there anything I need to do to ensure continuation of NI payments?

Comments

  • NeilCr
    NeilCr Posts: 4,430 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 25 February 2018 at 3:03PM
    Information on eligibility for Contrbution based ESA here

    https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/employment-and-support-allowance/before-you-apply-for-esa/eligiblility-for-esa/

    And how to get credits here

    https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-credits/eligibility

    Looks like a word with the jobcentre might be a way forward.
  • calleyw
    calleyw Posts: 9,896 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper I've been Money Tipped!
    contributions-based ESA is not means tested. So why would you come off of it. As ;long as you qualify of course.

    Things like housing benefit, council tax benefit is means tested so would be effected by the money.

    You would not get back on to contributions-based ESA if you leave it now.

    As its you NI contributions up to the previous tax year are in. And to complicate it DWP year runs on a calendar year not a tax year. So it would be the two years previous. Off the top of my head can't tell you as I am full of virus a the moment. But i am sure someone else will be able to tell you.

    Yours

    Calley X
    Hope for everything and expect nothing!!!

    Good enough is almost always good enough -Prof Barry Schwartz

    If it scares you, it might be a good thing to try -Seth Godin
  • TELLIT01
    TELLIT01 Posts: 18,612 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper PPI Party Pooper
    As calleyw says, there is no reason to come off Conts based ESA as savings are not taken into account. Only the 2 most recent full years of NI contributions are taken into account for ESA Conts entitlement contributions (there are exceptions but few and far between, and they are unlikely to be applicable to the OP).
  • contributions-based ESA is not means tested. So why would you come off of it. As ;long as you qualify of course.

    Oh! Thank you for that. :-)
  • Alice_Holt
    Alice_Holt Posts: 6,094 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Although if in the WRAG group CB ESA is only payable for 365 days.
    If placed in the Support Group CB ESA is not time limited.
    Alice Holt Forest situated some 4 miles south of Farnham forms the most northerly gateway to the South Downs National Park.
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