Hi, I've been in the ESA SG for a long time. I know that soon I will be moved over to UC. As far as I'm aware I should be put into the support group equivalent ton UC. Only question I have about it is New ESA. I read a comment about it that confused me. It said that people who have not worked for a long time and been on ESA SG could still be put on new ESA as well as UC. If so, does new esa have a support group, as well?
ESA now called "legacy ESA" is no longer available to new claims except in very special circumstances . (The claimant needs to be receiving the Severe Disability Premium).
The difference is that legacy ESA was one benefit consisting of two eligibility criteria, one based on the claimant's NI Contribution history (Contribution Based ESA) and the other on their personal circumstances (Income Related ESA).
New Style ESA only considers the claimant's NI Contributions, the equivalent to ESA(IR) is Universal Credit.
CB ESA is not going, it is the same as NS ESA, they are both contribution based. You can be placed in the support group in any of the three types, in which case your claim will be indefinite until you are next reassessed.
Gary
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
