New Style ESA Claim

Hello

My husband was self employed but has not work for the past year. He is due to get a diagnosis from his consultant in the next week or so with regard to his inability to work due to illness.

I was advised to apply for ESA on his behalf. I understand that this benefit is not means tested and he has paid all NI payments up to 2023-2024 and for many years before so I think this is sufficient, is this correct?

He also has a small personal pension that he has not yet accessed and is currently saving a small amount into each month, as he had hoped he would not have to access this until he is of pensionable age (currently 63).

When I enquired with the DWP they said he did not have to access his pension yet, and this would not be taken into account when assessing his claim. They only take into account a private or personal pension that you are already receiving regular payments from. Is this correct? Can he still continue to pay a small amount into his personal pension whilst receiving ESA?

Many thanks.

Thank you David for clarifying. Much appreciated.

We have not started the process yet, I just made an initially enquiry so they have not as yet asked for a claimant commitment. May I ask what that is? I have LPA for my husband and will be calling them to make the application.

I am hoping that my husband's NI payments up to 2023-2024, and full payment for many years before are sufficient, is this correct? And imagine we need to start the process before 31 March 2025

We are just waiting on the diagnosis from his consultant who we are meeting next week. I thought this would help his application.

Thank you David, really helpful.
I'll let you know.

JMC