Currently receiving UC with LCWRA, any point claiming New Style ESA as well?

Hi toetheline

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

Why bother claiming New-Style ESA if it is going to count as income for UC?

• Firstly, New-Style ESA is paid fortnightly - so this can help with household budgeting.


• Secondly, if a Limited Capability for Work Related Activity Element (worth £343.63) is going to be included in the UC award, following the Work Capability Assessment - this will be paid one monthly assessment period earlier if the claimant also claimed New-Style ESA than if they didn't.


• Thirdly, a change in household income or savings, or in who is included in the UC assessment, might mean entitlement to Universal Credit ends, but as New-Style ESA is not means-tested, it could continue to be paid, eg where the New-Style ESA claimant has a partner who starts work and their earnings 'float them off' UC.


• Fourthly, whilst someone is getting contributory ESA they will get Class 1 National Insurance Credits onto their NI record, which help to qualify for more benefits than the Class 3 Credits they would get from claiming UC only.

Both Class 1 and 3 Credits help people to qualify for the State Pension and a surviving spouse or civil partner to qualify for Bereavement Support Payment, whereas Class 1 (but not Class 3) could in the future help someone qualify for New Style JSA or ESA in the future.

Gary

Hi toetheline

We cannot answer your question as you can be reassessed for LCWRA at anytime, only you can decide whether or not to claim NS ESA.

Gary