Ok I have read the part of the ESA guide where it mentions the 2 types of ESA, contrinution and income based.

The contribution based ESA even in the support group is less then what I get on IB (lying MP's), this is mainly because of the removal of age addition.

The income based version is more in the support group because a premium is added.

Which does a poor person get who has paid enough contributions? as it says they check contribution entitlement first.

So if we assume someone has paid enough contributions (previously worked or on previously incapacity benefit), they then get given contribution based ESA and in the support group. They have no other income and no savings/assets. Do they get income based ESA or any income support topups or is that it?

I'm afraid I've been so busy dealing with queries on the board, I'm not up-to-date on many aspects of ESA. Steve may be able to reply on this.

This link may be of help ESA Quick Guide

thanks jima it has the info I need.

QUOTE:
Contribution based ESA can be topped up with income based ESA (which is normally higher).

Perhaps an idea to add this to the guide, if Steve is too busy to check the forum at the moment I will send him an email.

So as I understand it, in my example, contribution based ESA would be awarded but would then get topped up with income based ESA so would effectively be on both benefits.