ESA Contribution Based Changes

Thank you that’s really helpful and (hopefully) reassuring

Looking at the two relevant sections, it appears that this is, indeed, fir new claimants but also for those with shorter term issues who have regular brief spells out of employment. Even so, I'd welcome clarification from a Mod: 53. Unemployment insurance would be a new non-means tested entitlement for people who have contributed into the system. It would be created by replacing contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with a new single entitlement, paid at the current ESA rate (currently £138pw) and will be time-limited. This would provide stronger income protection during periods of unemployment for those with a recent work record, while revitalising the ‘something-for-something’ contributory principle in the working-age system. People claiming this would be expected to actively seek work, with easements for those with work-limiting health conditions. 54. Alongside levelling up the rate, this change would end the indefinite entitlement to contributory ESA for those assessed as having limited capability for work-related activity (for new people claiming). Those unemployed after the time-limited period would be able to claim UC, depending on their personal circumstances. We believe this reform would align with the removal of the WCA, by offering a route to financial support for those with temporary and short-term health conditions, including for those who may not be entitled to PIP and therefore not entitled to the health element of UC.

i dont know if i have read it heard it or made it up in my mind, but i seem to remember someone saying if you do not enhanced daily living for pip, you will be classed as fit to start the journey back to work, it would make sense given the tightening up of the points scoring on pip

But as the wca is ending and there will be no support group then at the point of reassessment we will become ‘new people claiming’
I think this has been missed, because it means the end of non means tested sickness benefits, which is huge.
First the what then this, later pip, and finally the state pension
Sorry to be a bearing of bad news, and I hope am wrong.

Im certainly leaning towards the interpretation that its for new people claiming and therefore people already on it wont be affected.

but that's literally based on just reading the wording myself. when were reassessed its not for a new claim I don't think?

but yes clarity is needed as Im sure people would like to know this new element as well. this will severely affect people who wouldn't qualify for UC,

I am less confidentabout my interpretation than earlier today. We ready are in want of an expert analysis of this part of the Green Paper.

MariW wrote:

Looking at the two relevant sections, it appears that this is, indeed, fir new claimants but also for those with shorter term issues who have regular brief spells out of employment. Even so, I'd welcome clarification from a Mod: 53. Unemployment insurance would be a new non-means tested entitlement for people who have contributed into the system. It would be created by replacing contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) with a new single entitlement, paid at the current ESA rate (currently £138pw) and will be time-limited. This would provide stronger income protection during periods of unemployment for those with a recent work record, while revitalising the ‘something-for-something’ contributory principle in the working-age system. People claiming this would be expected to actively seek work, with easements for those with work-limiting health conditions. 54. Alongside levelling up the rate, this change would end the indefinite entitlement to contributory ESA for those assessed as having limited capability for work-related activity (for new people claiming). Those unemployed after the time-limited period would be able to claim UC, depending on their personal circumstances. We believe this reform would align with the removal of the WCA, by offering a route to financial support for those with temporary and short-term health conditions, including for those who may not be entitled to PIP and therefore not entitled to the health element of UC.