Hardship payments?

I'm somewhat confused as to all the debate on hardship payments as I have never heard of them previously.
Is a hardship payment granted only when a claimant is under sanctions?
Also, is this any different to what payment one would recieve when appealing an ESA decision for example?
Am I right in thinking a claimant failing the ESA medical and appealing would apply for either income support or would continue on assesment phase of ESA whilst an appeal is in progress?

micksville wrote:

I'm somewhat confused as to all the debate on hardship payments as I have never heard of them previously.
Is a hardship payment granted only when a claimant is under sanctions?
Also, is this any different to what payment one would recieve when appealing an ESA decision for example?
Am I right in thinking a claimant failing the ESA medical and appealing would apply for either income support or would continue on assesment phase of ESA whilst an appeal is in progress?

Hi,

Hardship payments are a short term reduced amount of benefit, such as Job Seekers Allowance paid when non payment will cause hardship. It could be whilst ones NI record is being checked for example.

It is not to be confused with Assessment phase/rate Employment and Support Allowance as the assessment rate for the first 13 weeks is set in law.

If one claims ESA and fails to get the necessary points score at the Work Capability Assessment, then subject to actually appealing (form GL24) and telling the DWP office you wish to continue claiming at the assessment rate and submitting a sick note if needed, one will stay on assessment rate pending the appeal tribunal. If one cannot claim ESA for another reason, such as a query over enough NI contributions, then assessment rate ESA is not payable (however hardship payments could be made if absolutely necessary).

Pete

Thanks Pete that pretty much clears that up... Having been on Incap benefit for some years would my NI contributions ptobably be up to date having been paid by the DWP ?....I think a lot of people are about to find themselves in this situation.
My understanding is that N.I.contributions are paid when you are on incap benefit/IS etc