Payments during transfer from IB to ESA

I have received Incapacity Benefit since being medically retired in 1995 after a series of surgical operations relating to a form of Spina Bifida and severe spinal spondylitis etc..

My IB review date is sometime this year.

I see from the government website, that for the first 3 weeks of an ESA claim, over 25's only receive up to £65.45, which is termed the "assessment phase", and that the "main phase" of an ESA claim doesn't start till week 14, when an applicant is assigned to either the Work Related Activity Group or Support Group.

Can anyone tell me if these figures are for new claimants, if my Incapabity Benefit payments will dramatically fall to these amounts during any future assessment period, or if I will just directly "migrate" from IB to one of the ESA groups.

I am grateful for any advice. Thank you.

www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/Fina...upport/esa/DG_171896

Hi Gordon,

Thank you so much for your prompt reply. This has put my mind to rest somewhat.

Kindest regards,

Doug.

Does this mean if esa has been turned down and the person is awaiting an appeal the ib would stay the same or whilst waiting for an appeal it would be the £65?

Hi Margaret

I'm afraid the latter is correct. If an IB claimant fails the ESA assessment on migration and appeals, they can only receive the assessment rate pending appeal.

Derek