Is ESA paid in arrears? Starting a new job

I am hoping to start a new job (pre employment checks almost complete) and it's over both the income and hours pw thresholds for permitted work, meaning that I'm planning to come off ESA and alter my claim/make a new claim for HB on a low income basis. I want to ensure that I'm paid right up to the day I start, so please can you tell me if ESA is paid in arrears?

I don't want to deal with an overpayment. I plan to call them for the change to be put into immediate effect, and will also put it in writing on the same day for peace of mind. HB *is* paid in arrears so I can just tell them the day before I start work and it should be okay. I have some flexibility with my start date so it would actually be possible for me to start just as a fortnightly payment ends, making it easier for everyone involved.

Also, any advice about what (if anything) to tell them when I cancel my claim? I'm not expecting HB to be so accusatory - I'll just say, I feel able to work part-time now - but I'm worried about the response I might get from ESA. Is there a possibility they'll look into whether or not my claim was fraudulent? I've had a sudden, recent improvement in my mental health which can be supported with medical documentation if need be, but obviously I would like to avoid that situation.

Many thanks.

Thank you for confirming that. I'm going to be paid on Tuesday 31st and my new employer is suggesting Wednesday 1st as a start date - so my thinking is, call them on the 31st to cancel my claim. Does sound right?

I am aware of the rapid reclaim and hope I won't need to use it! I checked the peritted work rules but my new job is 18.75hr, £161 pw non negotiable, so it appears that would exceed the thresholds.

Honestly I wouldn't dive into work so soon unless my perfect job hadn't come along.

I hope that your new job goes well. Contacting DWP on 31st sounds fine.