I received contributions based ESA from 2009 until this April when the government brought in time limiting.

Last week I received a form ESA50 from Atos. I rang the DWP and they said it needed completing because although they no longer pay me benefit they still pay my national insurance contributions.

Since my first award in 2009 they have just sent four page renewal forms but this one is the standard claim form used for a new claim. Does anyone know if the shorter renewal forms are no longer used.

lizzie

lizzie_wa wrote:I am afraid I am not aware of any "short renewal form", as far as I am aware the ESA50 should always have been issued, certainly this is the case now.

You will need to complete it in detail and may be required to attend a WCA assessment.

Gordon

I know what you mean I was also on contribution based until April and had shorter forms sent but this year has been a complete nightmare so far with all the changes and now they have stopped my benefit without any warning.

I was told that earnings based is more stringent that I why all the forms etc are much more complicated.

Just to clarify - there is no distinction between the assessment for income-based and contributary ESA. There is one test to assess whether one meets the ESA criteria on health/capability grounds. Entitlement to the income-related benefit depends on income and savings.