esa query

jaki wrote: hi,

can you tell me if i get put in to the support group,(which i hope to god i do, as i am very ill,)i have been on IB since 1992,and i have a small private pension,will that be disregarded same as it was on IB,

also will my partners part time wage and pension be taken into account,we have no savings.all the stress of not knowing is making me very stressed,same as everyone else.thank you.

The ESA group you are placed in has no effect on the type of ESA you receive, which is determined by your NI Contribution history and/or your income, so the following is applicable whether you are placed in the SG or the WRAG.

With regard your pension have a look at the following

Will my pension be disregarded under ESA?

You will be transferred to Contribution Based ESA which does not take account any income or the hours that your partner works, however, you may in principle also be eligible for an Income Related ESA top-up to the ESA(CB), in which case any income including your pension and any savings and assets will be taken into account for this element only, also the hours that your partner works may have an effect, ultimately this may prevent you actually receiving this top-up, but as this is dependant on your personal circumstances, I cannot state this for certain.

If you are placed in the WRAG then your ESA(CB) payments will be limited to 365 days, after which, if you are eligible, you will be transferred to ESA(IR), at this time any your pension will be treated as income.

I hope this explains it, but if not or you have further questions, please reply to this post.

Gordon