DWP Two Step Begins

Ok thanks Derek Thats very helpful. I expect in my scenario to be awarded WRAG which i would appeal thus trying to get into the supoort group: though i see myself as borderline for that given the harsher new criteria. We'll see. I am currently on Incap with some disability premiums paid via Income Support. I am on HRM MRC of DLA. I'm hoping I'll be entitled to a mixture of contributions based and some income based ESA as a result. Dunno yet. My savings are well below the 6 grand limit so no worries there

Just Me wrote:

DepressedDerek wrote:

Just Me, ESA has an entirely different criteria to IB. Even if you are already on ESA it is essential to fill in another form on reassessment in case your condition has changed.

When claiming a means-tested benefit either by form or over the phone, you have to state how much income you get and savings you have. This is separate from the IB50/ESA50 medical form that focuses purely on your disability.

Thing is though I'm on contributions based IB right now, so when my time comes for the change over does it mean I'll have to fill out a questionnaire about my savings etc even though until they say otherwise (ie fail my next medical) I'm on a non means tested benefit?

I'm finding this all so confusing, sorry.

If you are on IB (which is contribution based) your savings will not be relevant.

If you are successfully transferred to contribution-related ESA, they still won't be relevant at least for another year, depending on what group you have been placed in.

If you fail the WCA and appeal, you can claim ESA at the assessment rate. This is not restricted to income-based claims.

Thanks Rachel I thought as much but you never know

DepressedDerek wrote:

Micksville, my ESA50 deadline was 47 days after the date of the letter. Allowing for a few days in the post, that's about six weeks. You should get a reminder letter two weeks before the deadline if they haven't already received the form.

Just Me, ESA has an entirely different criteria to IB. Even if you are already on ESA it is essential to fill in another form on reassessment in case your condition has changed.

When claiming a means-tested benefit either by form or over the phone, you have to state how much income you get and savings you have. This is separate from the IB50/ESA50 medical form that focuses purely on your disability.

Right thank you I think I see. I'm looking at the ESA application form right now and it seems divided into applications for either income or contributions based ESA and which means half the form doesn't need to be filled in if you're only applying for the contributions based version. Does that sound right?

When I get this form sent to me during the change over and before my medical I just apply for contributions based is that right? I'm not expected to apply for the income based version right from the start am I?

Sorry to keep asking so many questions but I'm so thick when it comes to form filling.

I've received an esa50 today, sent by them on 26 January and it has to be returned by 14March at the latest. Doesn't give much time to get the supporting evidence does it.