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Confused over which ESA I’m receiving
- claire-marie
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2 years 3 days ago #276306 by claire-marie
Confused over which ESA I’m receiving was created by claire-marie
I started claiming ESA in 2020/2021 when my SSP came to an end (I subsequently left my job in March 2021, but had been on sick since Jan 2020). I’m a little confused as to which ESA I’m on though. I know I’ve been placed in the support group as due to ongoing issues I’m unable to work. However, it’s my understanding that if you have savings you can not receive income based ESA. I therefore assumed that I was on contribution based where I was led to believe savings are disregarded? Or is it in fact now known as New Style ESA? The reason I ask is because I received a letter regarding warm home discount saying I may qualify. When I investigated further I thought I wouldn’t as it was for those on means tested benefits such as income based ESA etc. I do also receive PIP and widowed parents allowance, but there is no mention of these benefits as being eligible towards warm home discount on the gov website.
Anyway I rang the number on the letter today and was asked a few questions e.g. if I was bill payer in Aug and living at the address etc. I was then informed I was entitled. I’m confused though because I didn’t think I was receiving any means tested benefits? Don’t get me wrong I’m happy of the extra money, but I’m scared stiff that I’m not entitled to it. I’m even more scared that DWP have put me on the wrong ESA. I was never asked about savings etc. when filling in forms, but did make it clear to them when I spoke to them on the phone when I first applied that I have savings. Any advice much appreciated.
Anyway I rang the number on the letter today and was asked a few questions e.g. if I was bill payer in Aug and living at the address etc. I was then informed I was entitled. I’m confused though because I didn’t think I was receiving any means tested benefits? Don’t get me wrong I’m happy of the extra money, but I’m scared stiff that I’m not entitled to it. I’m even more scared that DWP have put me on the wrong ESA. I was never asked about savings etc. when filling in forms, but did make it clear to them when I spoke to them on the phone when I first applied that I have savings. Any advice much appreciated.
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- Gary
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2 years 3 days ago #276327 by Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gary on topic Confused over which ESA I’m receiving
Hi claire-marie
Welcome to the forum.
You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
It can be confusing when talking about ESA and DWP have not made it any easier when they introduced New Style ESA which is the same as CB ESA (legacy benefit).
There are in fact 3 types of ESA; Income Related ESA, Contribution Base ESA and New Style ESA.
IR ESA and CB ESA are both legacy benefits.
New Style ESA is a Contribution Based benefit and is not means tested with the exception of pension income (not state pension), which can reduce the amount that you receive.
The Income Related benefit that goes with NS ESA is Universal Credit.
You will need to seek help from your local Welfare Rights Organisation who will be able to help you find which ESA you are receiving; advicelocal.uk . It should tell you on your award letter on the last page.
The Warm Home Discount criteria has changed this year, claimants who received it last year are often told they are not eligible this year, so it is hit or miss, if you are told you are eligible, then you are eligible, so don't worry about it.
Gary
Welcome to the forum.
You might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explains where everything is; www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/guides-for-claimants/faq/forum
It can be confusing when talking about ESA and DWP have not made it any easier when they introduced New Style ESA which is the same as CB ESA (legacy benefit).
There are in fact 3 types of ESA; Income Related ESA, Contribution Base ESA and New Style ESA.
IR ESA and CB ESA are both legacy benefits.
New Style ESA is a Contribution Based benefit and is not means tested with the exception of pension income (not state pension), which can reduce the amount that you receive.
The Income Related benefit that goes with NS ESA is Universal Credit.
You will need to seek help from your local Welfare Rights Organisation who will be able to help you find which ESA you are receiving; advicelocal.uk . It should tell you on your award letter on the last page.
The Warm Home Discount criteria has changed this year, claimants who received it last year are often told they are not eligible this year, so it is hit or miss, if you are told you are eligible, then you are eligible, so don't worry about it.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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- claire-marie
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2 years 3 days ago #276334 by claire-marie
Replied by claire-marie on topic Confused over which ESA I’m receiving
Thanks for the reply Gary. In that case I believe I’m probably on new style ESA. Unfortunately I don’t have a welfare rights in my area as I have looked into this before - I live in an extremely rural area which equates to a lack of services unfortunately.
Therefore if I am indeed on new style ESA the amount of savings I have shouldn’t be an issue? It’s by no means a fortune, but as my husband died 10 years ago I have funds as a result of that which I have set aside for my daughter’s future etc.
Therefore if I am indeed on new style ESA the amount of savings I have shouldn’t be an issue? It’s by no means a fortune, but as my husband died 10 years ago I have funds as a result of that which I have set aside for my daughter’s future etc.
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