Re applying for ESA

An ex nurse wrote: A friend of mine who has been in receipt of IB for many years recently failed to transfer to ESA scoring 0 points following assessment. This decision remained the same on reconsideration and she lodged an appeal. She is having second thoughts about the appeal and is considering withdrawing. She has a deteriorating condition , so if she withdraws her appeal and at a later date wants to reapply for ESA would she have to have worked and paid NI contributions before she is able to do so. She had been on IB for 15 years. Many thanks

If she was IB before being transferred then she will not have any NI Contributions in the required Tax Years for a new claim of ESA(CB), this can only be rectified by her undertaking paid employment or registered self-employment.

See will be able to make a new claim for Income Related ESA providing that she can meet the associated means test of her household income, assets and savings and any hours that a partner works.

Asset rule for ESA(IR)

24 hour work rule for ESA(IR)

I would encourage her to continue with her appeal especially if she is not eligible for ESA(IR).

Gordon