New ESA letter with mysterious income

MyHappy256

Today I have received a new letter from the DWP slightly adjusting my ESA down by 56p per week, referring to additional money coming in of £14.93, I don't know what that is, could this be the winter fuel payment or something?

Am not really bothered by the amount, it's not like I am short £2.24 per month, if I was short it wouldn't be only £2.24, it's like when they give out these increases it's usually 1-2 pounds as if that is keeping up with inflation.

Rachel_Scope

Hi @MyHappy256. I'm not sure what that could be. Have you checked your accounts to see if there's something new coming in that you've missed?

poppy123456

The winter fuel payment isn’t means tested but you would only be entitled to that if you are of state pension age or above. ESA is a working age benefit so you wouldn’t be entitled to the WFP.

ESA letters are well known for making no sense at all. I’d advise you to ring them to ask what the deduction is for.

MyHappy256

Thanks Poppy.

MyHappy256

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/902025#Comment_902025

Thanks Rachel.

I thought it might have been something I am getting without realising it, I notice it says money coming in and not income.

MyHappy256

Just got my new ESA letter and there is once again this mysterious income, it says other income for your household £14.93, the only other income I get is from a small private pension of £65.65 per month, since this is less than the required £85 per week, I presume this is not what this mysterious income I am supposedly receiving is?

poppy123456

I'm afraid you're not correct in your thoughts here. The £85/week rule only applies to those claiming contributions based or New style ESA. For those claiming Income Related ESA a pension income will reduce your ESA £1 for £1. For this reason that mysterious deduction will be because of your pension.

The same rules also apply when you migrate to UC and it will reduce it by the same amount as you receive.

MyHappy256

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/977570#Comment_977570

Tyvm