DWP info on Contribution-based ESA

Am new to this site and just trawling for information on the rules for CB ESA. Hubby & I both have small pensions and receive an annual statement from our pension providers which we copy to the DWP. We're both in the support group for CB ESA and think we're forwarding everything we should. However, most of what we read in the press and on the DWP website relates to IB ESA and obviously covers a much wider range of income that needs to be declared. Are we safe in thinking that unearned income (savings and rental income) don't need to be declared for CB ESA? It's becoming a worry.

Hi Jennilee and welcome to the site. This link should help you find your way around.

Welcome to Benefits and Work

You are absolutely right in thinking that your rental income, savings and interest do not need to be declared to DWP as long as you are receiving only contributory ESA*. If you got even 1p of Income Related ESA it would be a different matter.

It seems crazy to me that someone could have £1million in the bank without it affecting their payments but people who have made pension payments over the years are penalised by a reduction of their ESA. However, that is the system and we have to put up with it!

If you have further questions, please reply to this post and we will do our best to help. You will find it easily in future if you bookmark/favourite it on your web browser now

Edited to add - * unless DWP specifically ask for it, in which case you are obliged to comply.