ESA What Type & Cost Of Living Payment

arnie101163 · 29 April 2023 at 12:42PM

Hi, I have been on ESA since Autumn 2015 and I have never really thought about which type I get although I am erring on the side of income based. I have had two reviews and disability assessments in that time and I have looked on my benefit yearly form and I know that I get an enhanced premium being in the support group. It says that New Style ESA and Contributions based are assessed on the amount of NI stamps paid in the 2 years prior to ones claim. I haven't worked since 2015 so I haven't paid any NI contributions through earnings but on my yearly benefit from it states that it will continue to pay my NI contributions. I get about £135 a week before the new tax year which should've raised that by just over 10% at £148 however just before the raise was due to happen on 10/4 i cashed in part of my SERPS pension earning £50 a week but that reduced my benefit to £128 after the 10% rise meaning my £50 a week is worth only £35. I have never been asked about savings, partners earnings since I started claiming ESA. My two main questions are what type of ESA do I get and am I entitled to the Cost of Living Payment this year? I ask this because last year I received both COL payments but I got them exactly at the same time as my daughter who also gets ESA with severe Rheumatoid Arthritis and she got gets on Tuesday. I am not chomping at the bit to get it but just want to know if I will get it as the only thing that has changed since last year is the small pension. I would be grateful if someone called give me a clue as to what I might expect to get I do know that payment can come at anytime from now until 17/5. Thanks In Advance