ESA

[woodelf]

I'm asking this question on behalf of someone else, who is off work due to erm convalescing after knee operations and is in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance, which only lasts for a year. So what can this person claim once the ESA has expired?...I hope that is clear enough! Ta Muchly.

[Buenchico]

Good evening, Woodelf.

The 12 month eligibility period only applies to contribution-based ESA, which is not means-tested and is paid as long as the claimant has made enough National Insurance contributions.

When a person is not eligible for contribution-based ESA (whether that's because they've not paid enough National Insurance or because their period of entitlement has expired) they can be considered for income-based ESA. That is means-tested. In order to qualify for the full payment (which is the same as for contribution-based ESA) the applicant must have savings of less than £16,000 and their partner (if any) must not be employed for more than 24 hours per week. If those conditions are not met the amount paid will either be reduced or non-existent.

So many people notice no real difference when their entitlement to contribution-based ESA expires. They continue receiving the same payments. But some people (with partners in employment, or with substantial savings) might get nothing at all.

Chris

[woodelf]

Good evening Chris. As ever, Many Thanks for your answer and research!...I will pass it on.

[woodelf]

Hi Chris, the person for whom you provided the ESA info says Thank You Very Much; very clear info.

[Buenchico]

Thank you for taking the time to post, Woodelf.

I'm glad that my information made sense. (There has to be a first time for everything!)
;-)

[woodelf]

...and so I should too!...smile...it's the least I can/should do after all the time and research you have done for me.

[Sade]

Buencino- any idea why my ESA has just stopped? I've had no letter or anything. I have had it for about a year (contributions based). I have a bit of permitted work- but very little, only around 4 hours per week, and often can't manage that. I have no savings and haven't been offered the opportunity to apply for income-related ESA. No idea if you'll get this though as it's an old post!

[Postdog]

might be an idea to do a separate post - that way he might see it,or someone else could answer.

[Sade]

I have done one, Postdog- no replies as yet!x

[Postdog]

oh OK, just suggested it in case you were relying on this thread.