New style ESA

[Deleted User]

Is "new style" ESA independent of any savings or income ? 

I applied online and it didn't ask me what my savings or pensions were. 

Simply - had I paid any recent NI stamps. 

Which I haven't - so am looking at a NI only claim
But since ESA gives the claimant credits - does this mean that in a years time - I will be entitled to ESA payments? 

calcotti

Deleted_User said:

Is "new style" ESA independent of any savings or income ? 

I applied online and it didn't ask me what my savings or pensions were. 

Simply - had I paid any recent NI stamps. 

Which I haven't - so am looking at a NI only claim
But since ESA gives the claimant credits - does this mean that in a years time - I will be entitled to ESA payments? 

ESA is independent of savings and most income with the exception of pension income. For any pension income there is a deduction of 50% of anything above £85/week from the ESA. However if you are only trying to get NIC credits for LCW this is irrelevant as you will not be paid anything anyway.

You cannot become eligible for ESA based solely on NI credits. The NI credits you receive can help you be eligible in the future if you have to reclaim but you need to have also paid, or been treated as having paid, some contributions in order to meet the qualifying conditions. See
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/help/employment-and-support-allowance-contribution-based

Sky_

It's not means tested in respect of household income or savings, but pension income (yours, not your partner's) does affect it. 

I think the pension disregard is something like £85 per week, then 50% of any pension above that is also disregarded.

[Deleted User]

This is ILL HEALTH PENSION at age 57
Does this affect anything?

Also can they require me to attend Work meetings? My poor mobility prevents me from mobilising also my pension T&C orevents me from earning any more income !

I guess that I am hoping to get put in the support group - even though I will receive no actual ESA payment

calcotti

When did you last work?

poppy12345

Deleted_User said:

I guess that I am hoping to get put in the support group - even though I will receive no actual ESA payment

If it's a credits only claim then it will make no difference which group you're placed into.

[Deleted User]

calcotti said:

When did you last work?

I last worked, last summer - part time.....I last paid NI, 10 years ago - I have 33 years of "contracted out" contributions!!
I still have 8 years to contribute for a full state pension 
Are DWP carrying out assessments with the pandemic or are they going by GP reports? 

[Deleted User]

poppy12345 said:

Deleted_User said:

I guess that I am hoping to get put in the support group - even though I will receive no actual ESA payment

If it's a credits only claim then it will make no difference which group you're placed into.

It will if they still expect me to attend Work assessments / meetings - which I would be unable to do due to mobility issues 

calcotti

Deleted_User said:

calcotti said:

When did you last work?

I last worked, last summer - part time.....I last paid NI, 10 years ago - I have 33 years of "contracted out" contributions!!
I still have 8 years to contribute for a full state pension 
Are DWP carrying out assessments with the pandemic or are they going by GP reports? 

Assessments are carried out but are predominantly by phone.

[Deleted User]

Do they actually contact GP"s prior to the assessment?

poppy12345

Deleted_User said:

Do they actually contact GP"s prior to the assessment?

Not always and you shouldn't assume they do. Even when they do a GP really doesn't know exactly how your conditions affect you.