contributory ESA??

Hi..
can someone please help... I read somewhere that if you have paid national insurance contributions 'at any point' you will lose ESA after a year... Is this true?
I receive IB topped up with IS & DLA which I am so thankful for... I have no other means & have been unable to work for nearly 20 yrs but I did make contributions before that... I am 49 & live alone...
thanks & best wishes...

As you are currently receiving IB topped up with IS, after 12 months of contribution-based ESA you will automatically receive income-based ESA, as long as you (continue to) satisfy the conditions of entitlement.

Thankyou...
I thought that was the case but a comment on another site lead me to think I may be wrong... this is a relief for me to hear but not for many others!
We must continue to question & appeal..
Best wishes...

Hi! Feelingdesperate.
Dont worry to much; i think that if you live alone and dont have a partner and don't work because of your disability things wont change much for you as you're circumstances are the same.
If you had a working partner then things would change quite a lot so if you find one keep it to yourself!!!(said with tongue in cheek)
Good Luck
Matchseller

hi Matchseller..
Thanks... I am happy with the answer to my question... I 'only' have to get through all the other aspects now...
When I said we must keep going I meant we must fight the time limit for others... I wouldn't dare to consider a partner now under these circumstances...
take care...

I have so come april 2012 i`m snookered.