ESA (CB)/ new style esa and pension lump sums

I am in receipt of what was ESA(CB) in the support group, I understand is now New Style Esa although i have had no contact from DWP to agree to any commitment. I have not been reassessed for a long time, around 10 years i think.

I plan to apply for PIP this year. I should get it but have avoided applying due to my mental health and the stress involved.

I am 57 and have a private pension.

I want to withdraw a one off large lump sum and start a weekly income from it of £85/ week. The lump sum will be taken in the next couple of months but i won’t start taking the weekly income for at least a year.

My understanding from DMG ch51 and 52 is that the lump sum will not affect my ESA.

I have a financial advisor who thinks i could take one lump sum now and another in the future, say in 3 or 4 years, without it affecting my ESA.

I cannot find any guidance on this as it applies to ESA (CB)/new style ESA.

Are multiple lump sums possible? I am nervous about this. I can find the guidance for ESA (IR) in ch 51 but nothing else.

I am inclined to take one larger lump sum now and then an income in a year or two. Tax wouldn’t be much different in the long term. I would lose out on the extra capital remaining invested but i am happy with that.

Are there any rules on this? Anyone taken more than one lump sum? Does it ever matter what you spend it on or if you don’t spend it and put it in savings?

Many thanks