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Change of circumstances on ESA

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6 years 1 week ago #218178 by Tricia
Change of circumstances on ESA was created by Tricia
Hi,

I am in the support group of ESA & considering accessing my company pension,
and was wondering if I do this,would ithr DWP force me on to UNiversal Credit because it’s a change of circumstances.
Guidance would really be appreciated.
Tricia

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6 years 1 week ago #218188 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Change of circumstances on ESA
Tricia

This is would not be a reason to move you to UC so you do not need to worry about it but you do need to consider the impact to your ESA.

If you are only receiving Contribution Based ESA then any lump sum will not have any effect but any regular payment may be treated as pension income. There is a £85/week disregard followed by a £1/week deduction or every £2 of pension in excess.

If you receive any Income Related ESA then a lump sum will count against your assets and savings and any regular payments may be treated as income and deducted £ for £ from your ESA(IR), see

Asset and savings rule for ESA(IR)

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 6 days ago #218203 by Tricia
Replied by Tricia on topic Change of circumstances on ESA
Thank you for outlining the implications of accesssing my pension.
I’ used to have an income related top up whilst I was receiving help with mortgage interest, which has now been stopped. I’m now unsure if it’s all contribution based now. I think it would be wise for me to check the situation, before I make any final decisions.
But thank you so much for guiding me.
Tricia

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