Contributory ESA

auntySar

Hi,
From what I can glean from the internet Contributory ESA is what a lot of people are on that can no longer work due to disability or illness. We are entitled to contributory because of paying adequate NI over the years we were able to work. We aren’t entitled to free prescriptions, dental or opticians and can’t claim Warm Home Discount. Neither did we get the £20 covid uplift or the cost of living help rolling out to universal credit or income related ESA. 

Does anyone know why this is? I’m feeling forgotten about 😢

Vegastare

I believe that Contribution based ESA is given if you have a certain amount of saving above a certain threshold.

At least than was how it was when I worked at a charity few years back.  It does not give the same degree of support due to the idea that you have saving.  I hope someone will come along with further up to date info for you.

calcotti

Vegastare said:

I believe that Contribution based ESA is given if you have a certain amount of saving above a certain threshold.

Contribution based or new style ESA is awarded if the claimant met the NI contribution requirements at the time of the claim. Savings have nothing to do with it. Savings over £16,000 will exclude a claim for UC, or previously income based ESA.

calcotti

auntySar said:..We aren’t entitled to free prescriptions, dental or opticians and can’t claim Warm Home Discount. Neither did we get the £20 covid uplift or the cost of living help rolling out to universal credit or income related ESA. 

Does anyone know why this is? I’m feeling forgotten about 😢

If you are on a low income you could be entitled to UC or may be eligible for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

auntySar said:

Neither did we get the £20 covid uplift or the cost of living help rolling out to universal credit or income related ESA. 

People on income based ESA did not get the £20 uplift for covid, only those on UC or Working Tax Credits got it.

KxMx

Have you looked to see if you would be entitled to a Universal Credit top up? 
I get both ESA CB & UC. The UC is means tested so I also get CoL payment, free prescriptions etc. 

sammyjammy

And you can claim separately for help with prescription cost/dentist/council tax support etc, it will be based on your income and savings

Alice_Holt

auntySar said:

 We aren’t entitled to free prescriptions, dental or opticians and can’t claim Warm Home Discount. Neither did we get the £20 covid uplift or the cost of living help rolling out to universal credit or income related ESA. 

Does anyone know why this is? I’m feeling forgotten about 😢

      Because it's possible to claim nsESA even if you have £1m plus in assets and savings.

      The measures you mention were specifically targeted to those households on means-tested benefits.

    I suggest you contact your MP about this, rather than post here.
   This forum is to give help / advice on entitlements, it's not for discussion about benefit policy. 

     

Rubyroobs

auntySar said:

Hi,
From what I can glean from the internet Contributory ESA is what a lot of people are on that can no longer work due to disability or illness. We are entitled to contributory because of paying adequate NI over the years we were able to work. We aren’t entitled to free prescriptions, dental or opticians and can’t claim Warm Home Discount. Neither did we get the £20 covid uplift or the cost of living help rolling out to universal credit or income related ESA. 

Does anyone know why this is? I’m feeling forgotten about 😢

It's perfectly reasonable because people claiming contributions based benefits could have any amount of savings, a working partner , or even maybe a significant private pension and still claim ( although that would reduce the ESA ). Contributions based ESA is not means tested. If you have no other income or savings then you may qualify for Universal credit as well as ESA. This would then qualify you for all the extras you are currently missing out on.