Hi buster
He should expect a UC 50 form. Unless your brother in law is in receipt of legacy benefit ESA then he will not receive a ESA 50 form.
Lots of claimants get muddle up due to the name 'New Style ESA". New Style ESA is a Contribution Based benefit and is not means tested with the exception of pension income which can reduce the amount that you receive.
The Income Related benefit that goes with NS ESA is Universal Credit.
With legacy benefits you would claim CB ESA if you were eligible, and then IR ESA to be able to apply for premiums such as SDP, EDP, you cannot claim these premiums with UC.
You can get New Style ESA on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit. If you apply for and are awarded both benefits, the New Style ESA you are paid will reduce your Universal Credit payment by the same amount.
www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment...ailed-guide#overview Gary