how long do you get Contributory ESA?

Hi

I am on contrib ESA. I have been told it only lasts as long as your NI contribs allow. I am in the WRAG but appealling to get into the support group. I wouldnt get income related ESA as my hubbie works. So my questions are:

They took my NI contribs for 2008-9 into consideration. Will they go on to consider the contribs I paid for 2009-10? (I worked til Aug 10)

If I get into the support group, will teh ESA last longer?

I have looked everywhere for this info and no luck. I asked a Disabilty Employment Advisor and he didnt know!
Its all so confusing!!

Many thanks

At present, if you're entitled to contributions-based ESA, you continue to get it without time-limit.

However, the government has said that it will bring in a time limit of twelve months for people in the WRAG, after which you will have to transfer to income-based ESA if you are eligible for it on income and capital grounds, otherwise, you will get nothing.

If you are in the support group, the postion will continue as at present, namely that there will be no time limit for contributory ESA.

many thanks. That helps alot.