How much is income-related top up to Contributions-based legacy ESA?

LuxFero

Hi there. I was told my ESA claim is a combination of both versions of legacy ESA: Contributions-based with an Income-Related top-up. 

I am in the Support group and was previously on Incapacity benefit. However the last reference I can find to my being entitled to both Contributions based AND Income-related is from 2016. My latest award letters make no reference to Contributions-based but call it all ‘income-related,’ although if I lost Contrib-based I was not informed of this change. 

My question is a) How can I find out if I’m still on Contributions-based with an Income-Related top up (I have read that the fact that I’m receiving the Disability Income Guarantee means I am indeed on both, but I’m not 100% sure if this is true) and 

 

b) what amount the Income-Related top up is? 

This second bit is key as I reckon I’ve been overpaid due to a change in circumstance while I was too unwell to manage my affairs and inform them. I think I’ll have to repay the income-related portion of my ESA, but my question is how much? 

 

I have been advised – though I’m not clear if this is accurate – that the breakdown of the ESA award is as follows: 

Your living expenses                                                               = Contributions-based

Extra money because you are severely disabled                               = Income-Related

Extra money because of the Disability Income Guaranted                = Income-Related 

Extra money because you are in the Support Group             = Contributions-based 

 

Is the above correct to your knowledge? And is there any way to check this other than directly calling the DWP myself? A database an advocate can use? Thank you. 

calcotti

If you have remained in the Support Group you will be getting contribution based ESA which is £129.50/week.

The contribution based bit is the living expenses and the Support Group.

The income based bit is the Severe Disability Premium and the Disability Income Guarantee.

Agreed as you say.

poppy123456

LuxFero said:

b) what amount the Income-Related top up is? 

That would be £76.40/week severe disability premium and £19.55/week Enhanced disability premium. (known as disability income guarantee in ESA letters) Total weekly amount £95,95.

Contributions based is £129.50/week.

LuxFero

Thank you so much!