DURATION OF CONTRIBUTION BASED ESA

Wolf wrote: My partner (on contribution based ESA since 2001 and status "idefinite") just got a new questionnaire after having filled in the last one 5 years ago. Is there a anger that he will be switched to income-based ESA (which is means tested) in addition to being asked for a Face to Face interview? Will he be informed of the result once the Jobcentre have dealt with the questionnaire? Many thanks, Wolf

ESA is a single benefit with two payment options, claimants can receive ESA(CB), ESA(IR) or ESA(CB) with an ESA(IR) top-up.

If a claimant qualifies for payment of ESA(CB) then this will always be paid unless they have spent more than 365 days outside of the Support Group, n which case they can claim ESA(IR) if they eligible.

I am assuming that your partner has been in the Support Group for the last five years, so if they are moved to the WRAG then they will only continue to receive their ESA(CB) for a year.

The next stage of the process is to see whether a face to face assessment is needed, so expect to be contacted by Maximus, also known as CHDA.

Pleae use our ESA Claim guides to help you complete the ESA50

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants/esa1

Gordon