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Switching back to Income based ESA from Contributions based due to lower savings

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2 years 4 days ago #276283 by sjwcr
Hi Everyone, I'm hoping for some advice. I was in receipt of old style Income Related ESA, and am in the support group. Due to receiving some money, my savings went over the £16000 limit. I wrote to the address on my claim and informed them, they switched me over to Contributions based, (I'm assuming this is still the old one) and said in the letter to inform them when my savings go below this limit. I will shortly be under the limit again, and will have to inform them so that I go back to the income based ESA. Is there any information on how this happens? Do I just write to the same office again to let them know? I am wondering whether they will make me claim for Univeral Credit instead. I don't really know what to do at this point. I'm sure I read somewhere that you have to be careful and do things in a certain order to get it right. Also I'm not sure at what point I write to them... For example , do I do it when I go just five pounds under? What then if my monthly payment takes me slightly over the amount again? I hope I've not rambled too much, and I would be really grateful for some advice. I also receive full PIP. Thanks in advance, Sj

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2 years 3 days ago - 2 years 3 days ago #276323 by Gary
Hi sjwcr

Something is not correct with what you have written as you cannot get switched from IR ESA over to CB ESA.

What usually happens is a claimant receives CB ESA with a top up of IR ESA, IR ESA is means tested, so if you go over £16k in savings the IR ESA stops but the CB ESA carries on. If your savings go below £16k then you would now have to claim UC at the same time as CB ESA if you need to claim help with housing costs.

If can be complicated so I would advise you to seek help from your local Welfare Rights Organisation as you may be hit with tariff income or even notional capital, depending on your circumstances; advicelocal.uk

Gary

Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Last edit: 2 years 3 days ago by Gary.
The following user(s) said Thank You: sjwcr

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2 years 3 days ago #276324 by sjwcr
Hi Gary, thanks for your reply. I am sorry I was a a bit hamfisted with my wording, indeed I was on CB and IR ESA, then ended up with some extra cash. I still get the CB part of ESA. I will try and get a hold of my Welfare Rights Team. THanks for your help.

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