Disregarded Capital ESA

JAG

My husband is in receipt of ESA - I believe contribution based with an income related top-up. I am named on his claim as his carer. We have just been advised that he will receive a back dated payment from PIP of approx £8,000 which will take our savings to over £16,000.

Will this income be disregarded as far as ESA means testing is concerned?

If the back payment is disregarded, when the migration to Universal Credit happens will this income still be disregarded?

If this back payment isn't disregarded can we leave our ESA claim open at £0 to claim NI contributions for my husband.

Will this class as a change of circumstances and trigger a move to Universal Credit?

If any one can help I would be really grateful.

poppy123456

The money from the PIP is disregarded for 12 months from the date he received it. This includes if he’s migrated to UC before the end of that 12 months.

For this reason your other questions are irrelevant. I hope this helps put your mind at rest.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @JAG, looks like Poppy's already helping to clear things up for you, but I just wanted to say hello and welcome you to the community. I hope you'll find the community friendly and helpful. Please lets us know if you have any more questions 😊

JAG

Thank you Poppy for your quick reply and Rosie for your welcome.

Mostly I was dreading the whole UC application process (less so now I've read the information on this website). I know the migration is coming but I'm happy to put it off as long as possible.

Thank you again.