IB to ESA, nil points and appealing

I have now got another query that I would really appreciate your advice on.

Just a quick recap, I was placed in cont based wrag for 2 years last May.

A few weeks ago I received a letter advising that my benefit would finish shortly but I would continue to get NI credits, it also stated that if I wished to claim IR ESA I needed to contact them to make a claim. My partner is in full time employment so this is not an option.

Today I have received in the post a form ESA1 but the top of the form the part that reads Renewal claim form and how to claim has been crossed out and written in pen is Treat as ESA3.
I have not requested any claim forms and so I rang JCP to ask what this form was for and if I needed to complete it.
I was told that even if I do not wish to claim IR ESA I still need to fill it in and return it otherwise I will not be entitled to receive NI credits.

Is this correct? I did query it but the lady was adamant that I need to complete the form for my claim to continue albeit just NI credits.
I obviously don't want my claim to be closed because then there would be no review next year.

Thankyou

I think I've finally got to admit defeat . My application to appeal to the Upper Tribunal has been refused. Although I am very tempted to continue I'm now starting to feel " way out of my depth" and am unable to get representation.

I have sorted out the prob with the ESA3 and you were correct in saying it wasn't necessary in my case ( more incorrect info by DWP) so I remain in WRAG. My review should be in May 2015 but I'm aware that because of the delays etc this will probably not be the case and I may well have to wait a lot longer.

I would like to thank all B&W mods, especially Gordon, for your help and advice.

Dizzy