ESA3 (IBR) JUST RECIEVED THIS IN THE POST

Hi

This is my first time posting.
I just recieved a letter in the post from ESA.

It acknowledged that I am recieving contribution-based ESA which replaced incapacity benefit.

They said they need to check my claim to decide if I am also eligible for income related ESA from March 2013.

I have a husband who works which I think makes me ineligible.

I am concerned that this means i am no longer entitled to contribution based ESA and I will have to make a new claim.

What do I do? Do I contact them to clarify or just not fill in the form. At no point in the letter did they reassure me that if I am not eligible for income related ESA I will continue to get contribution based ESA.

It is less than two weeks before christmas and I am worried and anxious now, not sure what to do.

Hopefully someone might know what to do.

Thank you

Hi Gordon

Thank you for your reply and link.

I feel somewhat reassured by the information, although admit I am always suspicious of the DWP.

I am unsure whether I need to send back the form stating my ineligibility or do nothing. can I be penalised for not sending it back?

OK, I will send it back.

Thank you for your help, you have been great.

I appreciate your quick replies, I can now take a breath and deal with it.

Hi Cathy/Gordon
I have also received this letter and am equally suspicious of the DWP's motives. I am 61 years old and in the ESA support group having been transferred from Incapacity Benefit. I receive PIP at the highest rate for daily living and mobility. This and my contribution based ESA is more than adequate in monetary terms.

My husband is 72 and we jointly have a little more than £16000 in savings having worked and saved all our lives (unsure what is regarded as assets). This is our retirement/ old age emergency fund. What right have the DWP to know about this? I do not want them to reconsider if I could get more money.

I have read the standard answer you prepared. many thanks. However Gordon can I just return the form stating I do not want them to reconsider me in this way without ticking any of their boxes?

JeannyK