what's the difference between CB and IB Esa?

I'm on contribution based ESA at the moment, but because i cannot get housing assistance(I own a house that social services have assessed as unsafe for me to live in but housing benefits wont disregard it), I am on an extrememly low income, below five hundred per month from which I have to pay my rent and all my bills somehow.. How do you go about changing to income based ESA and what difference does it actually make?

libbyrose wrote:

I'm on contribution based ESA at the moment, but because i cannot get housing assistance(I own a house that social services have assessed as unsafe for me to live in but housing benefits wont disregard it), I am on an extrememly low income, below five hundred per month from which I have to pay my rent and all my bills somehow.. How do you go about changing to income based ESA and what difference does it actually make?

Hi,

Currently one cannot just change from Contributory ESA to Income Based ESA.

However it maybe that, depending on your circumstances you may get a top up of Income Related ESA on top of your contributory ESA, but this does depend on your own personal circumstances.

It maybe wise to get some face to face advice to go through your claim in detail to ensure you are getting what you are entitled to.

You can get help from either your local CAB or via

www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/

Sorry i cannot help more, but you do really need face to face help to go through things in depth.

Pete

You have helped! that gives me a starting point because I really had begun to despair. The one thing I've not been able to get is face to face advice, and the DWP 'helplines' are so hostile and offputting I come off the phone more confused than ever and also upset! My local CAB have told me they cant book any appointments but presumabley I can get that sort of advice from a drop in session? I shall try the other link you suggested also.

many thanks