How to get changed from contribution ESA to income related ESA

In NI. Applied ESA once SSP ran out in work.
Went through the initial rejection and then mandatory reassessment when they awarded in February 2026. Placed in support group. P4 says - The payment of ESA is based on your national insurance contribution record and any additional amount the Government say you need to live on.
Underneath that is the calculation:
Your living expenses £92.05
No income will be taken off your ESA
Your income related amount is £92.05 less £0 so you are entitled to £92.05
However because you are entitled to contribution based ESA we will pay you £92.05

I'm very confused because it says it's contribution based but then on P4 it says it's income related. I don't know which is correct and can't apply for other help (school dinners/uniform etc) unless it's income related.

Can anyone advise please?
Thanks

Thanks for reply.
How does it work then when applying for help with school dinners and school uniform?
Their criteria say can only apply if getting IR ESA?
Ta

Hi SDL,

Im also in NI, the school actually sent home info just before the holidays for applying for free school meals, uniform allowance etc for anybody who needs it. If your not currently in receipt of any of the legacy benefits the only thing you can apply for is universal credit to get the help your looking. You need to have an overall household income of less than £15900 after tax to claim free school meals, not sure about uniform allowsnce but its probably the same. Universal credit has its own set of rules regarding household saving etc such as if you've savings over £16000 unfortunately your not entitled to any help even if your household income drops to £0! I dont think I can post links but go to the eani website. All the info you need is there, its the same account you would have used for applying for initial school place, buses etc.

Hope you get sorted.