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Savings and Contributions based ESA

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7 years 1 month ago #184311 by Philippa C
Savings and Contributions based ESA was created by Philippa C
I am in receipt of PIP plus contributions based ESA. I was only switched to the contributions based version 10 months ago after my bank statements were looked at and it was decided I would get a fraction more income on the contributions based version.

My savings have increased quite significantly since that happened (though they are still under £16 000) and I have not informed the DWP. I did not think it was relevant as none of my benefit is means tested. However, I have just received a letter from the DWP which sets out how much I would be getting if I was on Income Related ESA. It therefore states my savings amount which is obviously no longer correct. This makes me wonder if in fact I do still have a responsibility to keep them informed as to the level of my savings? At the end of the letter, it says " however because you are entitled to contributions based ESA, we will pay you £109.65. " In other words, all the info they've typed out about my savings and Income Related ESA is actually irrelevant! So do I still have a duty to keep them informed as to the level of my savings? I really don't want to get into trouble for not doing so. Nor however do I want to spend an hour in a phone queue waiting to ask about it, if it's not relevant.

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7 years 1 month ago #184336 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Savings and Contributions based ESA
Pippa

AS the DWP are not paying any ESA(IR) at the moment they won't be bothered if your savings have increased, it will only be if they are reduced to the point where you would again be able to receive ESA(IR) that you need to consider informing them.

That said you should keep a record of any expenditure that you have in case the DWP want to understand how you have disposed of your savings.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Philippa C

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6 years 11 months ago #189212 by Philippa C
Replied by Philippa C on topic Savings and Contributions based ESA
Thank you for your last reply. In actual fact it seems the DWP is still interested in my savings despite the fact that I am on contribution based ESA. Today I have received a letter from them asking to see all my latest bank statements. The letter is clearly stated Employment and Support Allowance at the top. I am rather puzzled but have printed out my statements to send them. I'm slightly concerned I will be in trouble for not informing them of the increase in my savings sooner.

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6 years 11 months ago #189241 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Savings and Contributions based ESA
Pippa

Do you have any pension income?

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems

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6 years 11 months ago #189243 by Philippa C
Replied by Philippa C on topic Savings and Contributions based ESA
I live with my parents and have been ill since my teens so no, I have absolutely nothing other than my savings and no income other than my benefits. I'm just a bit puzzled as to why they are so keen to keep track of my savings when the savings do not affect my benefits. The letter asking for proof of my savings says they need to make sure I'm being paid the correct amount of ESA.

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6 years 11 months ago #189254 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Savings and Contributions based ESA
Pippa

They may be looking to see whether they can re-instate your ESA(IR) but that is just a guess.

Your ESA(CB) is not affected by any savings or assets that you have.

Gordon

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Philippa C

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