Hi, my name is Shazmozz! Query about non-means tested ESA

Shazmozz

Hi there… is it ok for me to go ahead and ask a question re non means tested esa?feeling stuck and lonely.  Thank you

Sandy_123

Hi @Shazmozz welcome to the forum 
Feel free to ask any questions, there is always someone to offer support here. 

Hannah_Alumni

Hello @Shazmozz

Welcome to the community! Are you keeping well? 

Shazmozz

Hi folks… nice to be here

my conundrum is….

i have been, and still am, in receipt of non-means tested Esa. My conditions have worsened. I have been asked to complete a compliance assessment. They have allowed it over the telephone as I cannot make the appointment physically.  It all feels very official, draconian and judgemental. They want to know everything, including bank statements etc. Just wondered if anyone else had experience this or whether it was just me.  Feel I’m being singled out and paranoid, but do know that Dwp do have targets to reach so feel the fear is warranted and when it is your livelihood, it’s very very worrying.

Thank you in advance if anyone can help : )

poppy123456

You say non means tested ESA which refers to either the old contributions based ESA or New style ESA. The only thing that affects either of those is a pension of more than £85/week. 

Are you sure at least part of it isn’t Income Related? If you’re in the Support Group and receive more than £129.50/week then at least part of it is likely to be Income Related. Therefore a compliance interview can happen and they may ask for bank statements, as well as other information about other income. 

Shazmozz

Thank you for your reply. 

It is roughly that amount yes 👍🏻

I know it went on my NI contributions being up to date to be able to receive it in the first place and my husbands salary wasn't taken into account at any point. Have never been asked anything about income into the house or proving anything financially.  I am allowed to earn up to £160/week if well enough to do it which is very rare. 

Yes i am in the support group for longterm illness. 

poppy123456

For permitted work it's up to £167/week and it must be less than 16 hours/week. I can't see any reason why they are asking for bank statements unless they are checking whether you've been working and earning more than the maximum amount allowed or you have a pension of more than £85/week. Even if it's less than this amount per week, you still need to tell them you're receiving it.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/employment-and-support-allowance-permitted-work-form/permitted-work-factsheet

Shazmozz

Thank you so much. I cant understand it either. Im all above board and ticking the right boxes so i will just have to get on with it and prove my innocence. I don't think they realise the distress it causes genuine people.  Thank you for your time : ) 

Shazmozz

Doss anyone know the telephone number or contact details for welfare rights? I live in south derbyshire. 

Any advice on how to go about a esa compliance telephone assessment to protect myself best i can? I know im paranoid, but have been let down by the benefit system so many times. Thank u 

Ema_Scope

@Shazmozz
I found the contact details for welfare rights on the Derbyshire County Council website. There is an email address, phone number and their opening hours  

poppy123456

If you haven't been working and earning more than the permitted work earnings/hours and you're not receiving a pension of more than £85/week that they don't know about then there shouldn't be anything to worry about. Assuming your ESA is not anymore than £129.50/week.