Adding income related ESA to old style esa

Gizmoginger_28

I have been on contribution based ESA support group since April 2018. I also get PIP standard care. Since December 2023 my partner, who is a pensioner, has been on enhanced Attendance allowance. No one lives with us or gets paid carers allowance. I have just found out that I could be claiming severe disability premiums for both of us as a top up to my CB ESA. I have been told to ask for a supersession. Has anyone done this successfully.

poppy12345

Which ESA is it you're claiming because it could also be New style ESA. If it's this then there's no Income Related top up possible because this is a contributions based benefit only. It is possible that this is the ESA you're claiming due to the time your claim started. 

It would only be possible to claim the top up if your ESA is the old contributions based. 

Gizmoginger_28

Hi Poppy

I am claiming old contributions based ESA as of January 2018. 

Gizmoginger_28

We get the severe disability premiums on our council tax support which means we don't have to pay any council tax.

huckster

Gizmoginger_28 said:

Hi Poppy

I am claiming old contributions based ESA as of January 2018. 

Are you sure, as new style ESA was available in January 2018?

If you are not sure contact ESA to check?

Robbie64

As above, it's best to phone ESA and find out which type of contributory ESA you are receiving. If it is the old style contributions based ESA then you will need to complete an ESA3 form. Some DWP telephony agents may try and tell you that you can't claim income related ESA as it has now been replaced by UC. If told this, either ignore them and ask for an ESA3 form or hang up and phone back.

You can also download an ESA3 form to print off and complete from https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/electronic_version_of_the_esa3_0 - scroll down to the bottom answer and download the form. But you do need to find out what type of ESA you are getting before completing the form. The notes to the ESA3 state to only complete the form if either your contributory ESA has stopped or if you are already getting income related ESA and a partner has moved in. Ignore this as you will (or should) need to complete the form. The previous version of the form also included claimants who wishes to claim income related ESA alongside contributions based ESA.

Gizmoginger_28

Thank you for the advice. Universal credit had not been fully rolled out in my area when I claimed ESA so I think I am on the old style but will check when I get a call back from DWP.