Esa Contributions Based Lump Sum Query

Hi there

Please can you help

I currently am on ESA Contributions, in the support group and I receive PHI on top.

I transferred from IB many years ago so I don't have any ESA reduced over £85. I fortunately get the full amount.

Anyway, last year it turned out my employer's PHI scheme had underpayed me for a number of years, so I received a one off lump sum on which I was taxed, and then got paid my regular amount as usual.

I didn't inform the DWP as I had been under the impression that lump sums or savings are only affected if you have Income Related ESA

However, I have just received a letter from the ESA department, asking for Payslips dating from the month that I received the lump sum, so I presume they are querying the lump payment because of information from HMRC.

Also, I was just going through my ESA confirmation letters and I found this statement, on the second page, which says, 'You need to tell us if there is a change in your income/savings. If you do not tell us you may be overpaid. If you are overpaid then you may have to pay back the money and you may face a financial penalty or prosecution.'

I honestly did not know it was a change I had to tell them about as it was an underpayment and it was a one off. I certainly had no intention of hiding anything, because I thought it was only an issue if you are on IR ESA.

When I give them the payslips, do you think that there be a problem?

Thank you for your help.