In NI. Applied ESA once SSP ran out in work. Went through the initial rejection and then mandatory reassessment when they awarded in February 2026. Placed in support group. P4 says - The payment of ESA is based on your national insurance contribution record and any additional amount the Government say you need to live on. Underneath that is the calculation: Your living expenses £92.05 No income will be taken off your ESA Your income related amount is £92.05 less £0 so you are entitled to £92.05 However because you are entitled to contribution based ESA we will pay you £92.05
I'm very confused because it says it's contribution based but then on P4 it says it's income related. I don't know which is correct and can't apply for other help (school dinners/uniform etc) unless it's income related.
Income Based ESA has now been abolished. So any ESA you are receiving now is termed New Style ESA and is contributions based. The careless DWP have not bothered to update their letter inventory and are posting out obsolete notices.
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
