FORM ESA3 04/12 - jobcentre wanting financial info

My partner was put into the contribution-based support group for ESA in April 2012. He had to fill in the same form again in September but has not had any information whether or not his status has or will change.
Today he got a form ESA3 04/12, stating that
- he has either informed the Job Centre of a change of circumstances
or
- he has asked to be put into the income related ESA group.
Neither applies and my partner has NOT asked for a change, unless they are referring to the general change which took place in March when IB changed to ESA.
They request the form to be returned, including full information about my financial situation which (as far as I am concerned) is none of their business.
My partner and I understand that “contribution based ESA –support group” is NOT means tested and we don’t understand why this form is now requested. Should we write to them asking for an explanation? Your advice is much appreciated/thanks.

Wolf wrote:

My partner was put into the contribution-based support group for ESA in April 2012. He had to fill in the same form again in September but has not had any information whether or not his status has or will change.
Today he got a form ESA3 04/12, stating that
- he has either informed the Job Centre of a change of circumstances
or
- he has asked to be put into the income related ESA group.
Neither applies and my partner has NOT asked for a change, unless they are referring to the general change which took place in March when IB changed to ESA.
They request the form to be returned, including full information about my financial situation which (as far as I am concerned) is none of their business.
My partner and I understand that “contribution based ESA –support group” is NOT means tested and we don’t understand why this form is now requested. Should we write to them asking for an explanation? Your advice is much appreciated/thanks.

Hi W,

You are indeed correct, if your partner is in the Support Group, there is no 365 day limit, see :

12 Month Limit for ESA(CB)

Neither, should there be any means test if she is only in receipt of CB ESA.

However, even though this may be an admin error, I would still advise you to fill it in and return it by the deadline given, unless you can obtain written verification that you do not have to.

If you don't return it, the benefit may be suspended, and it may be a lengthy process getting it reinstated.

bro58

thanks for your help