i've recently been transferred from SDA (plus a tiny amount of IS) onto ESA and am hugely relieved to have been put in the support group. However, I am confused. The letter says I am entitled to both contribution based AND Income related ESA. However, in the section entitled "How your ESA was worked out, " I have been given just Income related ESA and this has been reduced by £15 per week due to my savings. Why have they put me on Income Related ESA? I would much prefer to be on a non means tested benefit. If my savings were to increase in the future (eg. If I inherited any money ) and I was no longer entitled to Income based ESA, would I be able to transfer to Contribution based ESA or am I stuck with the Income based version now?
You will be being paid Contribution Based ESA with an Income Related top-up. If the ESA(IR) is fully eroded by your savings then you will continue to receive the ESA(CB) without deduction.
Gordon
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