Benefit query

Got a phone call this afternoon from the DWP apparently my friend has been put in the Support Group ESA letter will follow, she haven't even been call for a Medical with ATOS.

Did not expected that at all I was ready for another long stressful war with DWP and ATOS.

Shall let you know when the letter arrives.

Thanks for taking the time to let us know Marie.

Hi M,

That is really good to hear M !!!

Thanks for the update.

bro58

bro58 wrote: Hi M,

That is really good to hear M !!!

Thanks for the update.

bro58

Thanks so much everyone but we are still confused why has the DWP not cater for my friend pensions, the Customer Compliance Officer took copy letters from the Pensions people plus 6 month bank statements showing occupational pensions being paid monthly.

The DWP has not reduced my friend ESA benefit in fact she is receiving a bit more money. Does that mean ESA Support Group you can have an occupational pension?

Keeping fingers crossed my friend don't get another fraud overpayment letter it'll be the DWP fault once again, my friend has always following the benefit systems accordingly, always showed proof of any medical letters or documents when asked.

Anyway we shall relax and recover from the stressed and illness we suffered.

Marie wrote:

bro58 wrote: Hi M,

That is really good to hear M !!!

Thanks for the update.

bro58

Thanks so much everyone but we are still confused why has the DWP not cater for my friend pensions, the Customer Compliance Officer took copy letters from the Pensions people plus 6 month bank statements showing occupational pensions being paid monthly.

The DWP has not reduced my friend ESA benefit in fact she is receiving a bit more money. Does that mean ESA Support Group you can have an occupational pension?

Keeping fingers crossed my friend don't get another fraud overpayment letter it'll be the DWP fault once again, my friend has always following the benefit systems accordingly, always showed proof of any medical letters or documents when asked.

Anyway we shall relax and recover from the stressed and illness we suffered.

Hi M,

I can't offer a definitive answer !!


With payment of CB ESA, deductions would only be made if the pension exceeded £85/Week, as previously explained.

If a claimant has exhausted the 365 days entitlement to CB ESA whist not in The SG, and is then placed into The SG as a result of an appeal, periodic reassessment, or a review due to a deterioration/change in their condition, payment of CB ESA would be reinstated, and remain in payment for as long as they remain in the SG.

Again, no deduction would be made from The CB ESA in The SG unless the works pension exceeded £85/Week.

It is not the group that you are in (WRAG or SG) that is relevant with deduction due to a works pension, it whether you are being paid IR ESA only, CB ESA only, or CB ESA with IR ESA top-ups.

The main thing is that you continue to provide written evidence to the DWP, regarding the works pension, and any annual increases :

Sending Documents to the DWP or ATOS

You should do this whether you are being paid CB ESA only, IR ESA only or a combination of both CB ESA and IR ESA.

That way, you are covered legally.

Current ESA Rates :

ESA Personal Allowance for a single over 25 year old = £72.40/Week

WRA Component addition paid if in The WRAG = £28.75/WeeK

Total = £101.15/Week


ESA Personal Allowance for a single over 25 year old = £72.40/Week

SG Component addition paid if in The Support Group. = £35.75/Week

Total = £108.15/Week

ESA is paid fortnightly is arrears.

From :

Benefit Rates 2014

bro58