DWP Two Step Begins

So do you have to fill out an ESA form to even get your medical now even though It's a continuation of your existing IB claim?

Just out of interest is there anything radically different between the kind of information you have to declare in the ESA forms compared to the old IB? I downloaded one from a website and It was asking about what savings etc you have which threw me. I don't remember the old IB form asking me that one or is my memory playing up again?

Micksville, my ESA50 deadline was 47 days after the date of the letter. Allowing for a few days in the post, that's about six weeks. You should get a reminder letter two weeks before the deadline if they haven't already received the form.

Just Me, ESA has an entirely different criteria to IB. Even if you are already on ESA it is essential to fill in another form on reassessment in case your condition has changed.

When claiming a means-tested benefit either by form or over the phone, you have to state how much income you get and savings you have. This is separate from the IB50/ESA50 medical form that focuses purely on your disability.

Yes derek I looked the time limit up on the ESA resources and it is six weeks. Didn't realise that. Could you tell me what happens regarding housing and council tax benefits whilst the transfer is in progress? Are they protected benefits until the decision is made and complete? that's what i understood. Also, if I had to appeal and remain on ESA assesment phase whilst appealing- given that it is paid at the lower rate, equivalent to JSA would full housing and council tax benefits still be paid whilst that appeal is in progress?

DepressedDerek wrote:

Just Me, ESA has an entirely different criteria to IB. Even if you are already on ESA it is essential to fill in another form on reassessment in case your condition has changed.

When claiming a means-tested benefit either by form or over the phone, you have to state how much income you get and savings you have. This is separate from the IB50/ESA50 medical form that focuses purely on your disability.

Thing is though I'm on contributions based IB right now, so when my time comes for the change over does it mean I'll have to fill out a questionnaire about my savings etc even though until they say otherwise (ie fail my next medical) I'm on a non means tested benefit?

I'm finding this all so confusing, sorry.

Hi micksville, have just been through the ESA appeal saga and yes they do continue to pay housing and council tax benefits.

I was sent a huge document by housing and rang them in a complete panic but was reassured that it was just a formality and nothing had changed.

Best wishes,
Rachel

At present, and I'm not aware of any changes connected with the migration, if you are on a means-tested benefit then you automatically qualify for HB and CTB. If you are on a contribution based benefit, your income and savings are taken into consideration for HB and CTB.

If you are successfully transferred to ESA I would expect HB and CTB to remain unchanged. If you fail then medical and have IB terminated, I understand that HB and CTB will be terminated unless you either claim JSA or appeal the decision and claim ESA at the assessment rate.

There was a time when switching for JSA to a sickness benefit or vice versa would require a new claim for HB and CTB. In my locality the transfer is now automatic and you only need to inform HB of a change in circumstances. I understand that this new system is being rolled out across the country.