Random letter from the ESA

Butterfliess

hey,

I received a letter today from ESA today. Says changes in employment and support allowance rates payable. Goes on to say they have looked at my claim again following a recent change? No changes have happened for me.
I have been told I am on contribution based ESA by citizens advice when they looked at my letter. The letter is so confusing am I actually on CB base?
Why are they sending me this letter? As the dates in this page are 2019.

Many thanks,

Kimi87

Having looked at your other posts, I see you've had a PIP review, did you get a result?

I'm on New Style ESA and after being awarded PIP (new claim, enhanced for both) I had some ESA correspondence (a text, but can't recall if I got a letter as well) even though no premiums are paid under NS ESA for PIP.

PIP informed ESA, that led to the activity.

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/119682/esa-text-message

Butterfliess

I haven’t yet received a decision on my PIP review. I had a letter yesterday from them saying that they have extended my reward for a year as it’s due to end January 5th while they still make a decision. I’m just confused why I have a letter from ESA stating a change and the dates are 2019. I’m pretty sure I’m on CB but the letter is confusing. I did have it checked by citizens advice back in 2021.

Kimi87

It would make sense that PIP notified them of your award being extended by a year, and that, like in my case, triggered ESA to look again at your claim, leading to this letter.

ESA letters are by and large confusing anyway!

Butterfliess

Okay that would make sense. Thank you for the information ☺️. I have no idea why it’s always so anxiety provoking. Would you say looking from the letter it is definitely CB ESA?
im confused by the Income related amount bit.

Kimi87

No mention of any Income Related ESA top ups (Severe/Enhanced Disability premiums), so yes I would agree it is a CB only award.

Butterfliess

Thank you again Kimmy, really appreciate the help 🙂

poppy123456

That letter makes no sense at all because that’s not even the current rates for ESA contributions based. That’s the rates for 2019/20.

CB ESA Support Group is currently £138.20/week.

I have no idea why you’ve been sent that.

Butterfliess

Agreed Poppy, I’m very confused by the letter. I am posting the 1st page of the letter to see if anyone can shed some light? Is it because I have received the £10 bonus? If so why is the letter looking into 2019?

poppy123456

Your ESA is definitely all contributions based and yes it's to do with the Xmas bonus but I have no idea why they've sent you a letter containing details of all the years rates. Very odd. Unless it's because you didn't receive the bonus in those previous years so they owe you £10 for each year.

ESA are well know for sending out letters that make no sense but this is the worst one I've ever seen. It's nothing to worry about though so please don't think there's something wrong.

Butterfliess

Thanks for clearing that up Poppy. Honestly had no idea what I was supposed to think of it. I shall pop it on the pile of confusing letters from ESA. Thanks again 🙂

poppy123456

You're welcome. I love the pile of confusing letters. 😂