UC qualifications

Hi morna

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.

You may be able to get Universal Credit if:

~ you’re on a low income or out of work
~ you’re 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 to 17)
~ you’re under State Pension age (or your partner is)
~ you and your partner have £16,000 or less in savings between you
~ you live in the UK

www.gov.uk/universal-credit

From your post you may be talking about New Style ESA; To get New Style ESA you usually need to have been working within the last 2 to 3 years, and have made (or been credited with) Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions.

This can be through employment or self–employment.

You will also need to have a fit note (sometimes called ‘sick note’ or ‘doctor’s note’) but you can start making your claim before you have one. www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance.

I am not sure what you mean by saying 'I need clarification on qualification for UC. I understood that I qualified because I have chronic disabilities. My work pension disqualifies me from the standard rate. But, now I'm wondering if the disability rate is only paid ON TOP of the standard rate, and if my work pension disqualifies me from both.

You cannot get a disability premium with UC although you can be placed in the LCWRA group.

Gary