Not on ESa but have to attend a board? 27 February at 2:34PM in Benefits & Tax Credits 5 replies 221 views

CEON44

My sister in law got a letter requesting that she attend a "board" regarding ESA.  But although she is unemployed and "sick" she does not receive any payment and did not qualify for ESA.
She does however get low rate PIP. She contacted ESA to ask why she had to attend the interview and they said it was because they were paying her National Insurance. Is this the case?  What would happen if she didnt go? Can she pay NI herself?

poppy12345

CEON44 said:

My sister in law got a letter requesting that she attend a "board" regarding ESA.  But although she is unemployed and "sick" she does not receive any payment and did not qualify for ESA.
She does however get low rate PIP. She contacted ESA to ask why she had to attend the interview and they said it was because they were paying her National Insurance. Is this the case?  What would happen if she didnt go? Can she pay NI herself?

Attend a "board"?  if you mean a work capability assessment or a work focused interview then yes she will still need to attend because the same rules apply when you're receiving NI credits as they do if you're receiving payments.

TELLIT01

She could potentially pay the NI herself, but surely attending one interview or assessment is a small price to pay for the Government ensuring NI is covered towards the eventual State Pension.

calcotti

If she chose to make voluntary Class 3 NI contributions these would cost her £15/week.
Obviously if she has already got entitlement to a full State Pension she may not wish to continue getting credits but otherwise it would seem foolish not to go. The worst that can happen is that she is refused ongoing credits.

CEON44

Thanks for the answers. On the face of it going to the interview shouldnt normally be an issue but her illness is mental health related and she doesnt leave home. 

calcotti

If she can get her GP to confirm that she cannot attend an assessment she may be able to get a home visit.