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Means test after 12 months of ESA - again!

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12 years 4 months ago #72350 by Feelinghopeless
Means test after 12 months of ESA - again! was created by Feelinghopeless
Hi,

I have resigned myself to the fact that come April, as I have been on ESA(CB)for more than 365 days and my husband is working, albeit on a low wage, that my ESA will probably be stopped.

What I want to know is, would it just be stopped immediately without warning, or will we be notified a few months before and given the opportunity to apply for other benefits before the ESA is stopped? If we are to be means tested, will this be done in advance of the bill becoming law in April, so that if we 'pass' the means test, there is no gap where no benefits are received at all? We are budgeting like mad in anticipation of suddenly nothing coming in (turning heating off, selling items on ebay, making all food from scratch etc). Would the DWP be so callous as to stop the ESA, before at least giving us as a household a chance to see if we qualify for any other benefits?

thanks,

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  • bro58
12 years 4 months ago #72353 by bro58
Mel wrote:

Hi,

I have resigned myself to the fact that come April, as I have been on ESA(CB)for more than 365 days and my husband is working, albeit on a low wage, that my ESA will probably be stopped.

What I want to know is, would it just be stopped immediately without warning, or will we be notified a few months before and given the opportunity to apply for other benefits before the ESA is stopped? If we are to be means tested, will this be done in advance of the bill becoming law in April, so that if we 'pass' the means test, there is no gap where no benefits are received at all? We are budgeting like mad in anticipation of suddenly nothing coming in (turning heating off, selling items on ebay, making all food from scratch etc). Would the DWP be so callous as to stop the ESA, before at least giving us as a household a chance to see if we qualify for any other benefits?

thanks,


Hi Mel

Have a read of this DWP document. :

www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/esa-changes-q-and-a.pdf

It would appear that DWP are also sending letters out to claimants regarding this.

I really do "feel" for claimants in your predicament.

bro58

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12 years 4 months ago #72355 by Gordon
Mel

As far as I am aware, the DWP have not announced any details of how they intend to manage ESA(CB) claimants who have spent more than 365 days in the WRAG, should the Clause comes into effect in April.

As a minimum they will need to collect up to date information regarding your income, assets and any work carried out by your partner.

Whether they will be pro-active in doing this or handle it after someone loses their ESA(CB) is not clear at this time.

With regard to what other benefits you might be eligible for, our best advice is for you see an advisor at your local CAB or Welfare Rights office.

Gordon

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

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12 years 4 months ago #72363 by Feelinghopeless
Replied by Feelinghopeless on topic Re:Means test after 12 months of ESA - again!
Thanks Bro and Gordon,

I guess we are all in the dark and just have to take each day as it comes without worrying ourselves sick. If I did not have this fantastic site, I would be much worse, so thanks

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  • RachelPotter
12 years 4 months ago #72368 by RachelPotter
Replied by RachelPotter on topic Re:Means test after 12 months of ESA - again!
Mel, please, please, please be aware that they are also passing regulation to get overpayments back.

If they over pay you now due to their error, they can ask for the money back but cannot expect it back.

From the Bill being passed, they will be able to recover overpayments.

I know it is hideous, but it may be best to not spend any of the money (if you are over payed).

Work out 365 days or the date of the Bill passing, (which ever applies to you).

Best wishes,
Rachel

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12 years 4 months ago #72370 by kefkat
I am absolutely furious with the dwp over this and how they are handling it and I have made a complaint.

My son has just being diagnosed with bi-polar. We are in the process of getting assessments and medication sorted.

He took a massive overdose last month. The 4th in 2 years only this was the biggie. Thank goodness he lives at home and we found him else i wouldn't have son now alive and living with us. We have not only had to put up with the diagnosis that was made at his life sucicide attempt not being told to anyone last week he had a letter from ESA stating that his ESA may end next year because of this ruling. Of-course the letter wasn't read properly because of his health. He hid the letter from me and withdrew. By the time I got the letter and read it properly of-course he hadn't read the rest which says he will be moved on to income support related ESA if he has no income.

I have spoken to The ESA on his behalf as I am registered and for a change I got someone who knew what they were talking about. They also advised me to write in to them asking for him to be moved from wrag to support group and sending in evidence which I have.

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