ESA Income -v- contributions

When you begin to read the detail of the differences between income and contributions awarded ESA there is little on the surface to seperate the two; however, a probe under the surface and you soon discover that on contributions based ESA you don't get automatic access to free dental treatment, spectacles and a number of other areas of assistance.

Is there a logical reason as to why this is, as such those who have contributed through their National Insurance and meet the means tested element to receive ESA aren't so flush in savings or capital and it strikes me as odd there are such narrow differences, surely in the overall scheme of streamlining it would make sense to get rid of 50% of ESA by removing the contributions based element?

The only other reason I can see is the issue of National Insurance contributions continuing to be credited to your account. But again, it's sort of academic as both channels at the end of the day will lead to an entitlement to a state pension and contributions to a private pension either need to be paid or not..

I'm sure there is a perfectly logical reason behind this, or is there?

Thank you.

Hi David,

I think the reason is largely that contribution-based ESA is really incapacity benefit by another name and income-related ESA is just income support in new clothes.

So, they have inherited all the quirks of the old system, including the very unfair mechanism that means that if you have worked and paid contributions you get less help with things like prescription charges and dental care.

None of it makes much sense when examined in detail.

Steve

Thanks Steve,

How successful is an application for such healthcare? Prescriptions aren't an issue as I'm an insulin dependant diabetic, however, teeth and eyes are expensive areas to maintain. The paperwork seemed to imply you could apply for assistance.

Rgds,

David

Is it not possible for those who receive contribution based ESA, but have below the £6000(?) savings/capital threshold to claim for exemption from prescription charges/dental treatment/optician costs?

Anne & Dave,

Check out Help with health costs

Jim

Thanks Jim,

Why with this lot is nothing straight forward? Not a mention of ESA in sight. Where I did see it in one publication it was income related not contributions based and sent you off on what I'd consider a wild goose chase through pages and sites that have changed.

Guess they want your dough while you're working and paying in, but as soon as you need help they hide it all away.

It is National Insurance so why should the insurance bit be any different to most insurance policies - covered until you claim!