ESA contribution based & support group

Channelhugger

Hi
I receive contribution (contribution only) based ESA and I'm in the support group. My ESA reduces each year by the same amount my personal pension increases. My wife has no income but can access her personal pension next year. When/if she receives this does that affect my ESA or is it just based on my income?

sammyjammy

Just your income/pension.

Channelhugger

Thanks for the quick reply. Couldn't get an answer anywhere and when I've asked questions directly in the past I've been given inaccurate answers so thanks very much.

Robbie64

Yes, it's just your personal pension that affects ESA.

Are you sure that your ESA reduces each year by the exact same amount that your personal pension increases? I thought personal pensions reduce ESA by half of an £85 excess. For example, if your personal pension is £100 a week, your ESA will reduce by £7.50 (£100 less £85 x 0.5). This will also apply to any increase in your personal pension, only half of the increase will be taken from your ESA (if your personal pension is above £85 per week).