Old style contribution based ESA (support group)

Popster2020

Does anyone know what's happening to old CB ESA? I'm in the support group. With all the announcements this week I'm left very confused about reassessments and / or mergers!

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Popster2020, You're definitely not the only person feeling confused about things. The Green Paper is here if you'd like to read through the proposals, but please remember that a lot of this is not certain yet and will have to go through consultation period first. Most changes will start with new claimants and may not come into place for a while yet.

If you'd like to talk about the proposed changes, you might like to join us over in our main discussion:

The Green Paper Discussion

MinX2306

You are probably not on CB ESA as it has been replaced by 'New Style ESA' . The Government are proposing to merge the two contributory benefits of NS ESA and JSA and have not said existing claimants will be protected. It is at the consultation stage so DO NOT BE COMPLACENT!! You need to write to Liz Kendall at the House of Commons and also reply to the Green Paper discussion document. DO NOT leave it to other people to act on your behalf. I have written to her but I am only one person. Many people need to write in. So please get onto it before it is made into law!

Popster2020

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1004202#Comment_1004202

I have responded to the consultantation, written to my MP and will be contacting Kendal. I did contact her, Timms and my MP pre-announcement too.

I pulled this out of the green paper which implies new claimaints only?

54. Alongside levelling up the rate, this change would end the indefinite entitlement to contributory ESA for those assessed as having limited capability for work-related activity (for new people claiming). Those unemployed after the time-limited period would be able to claim UC, depending on their personal circumstances. We believe this reform would align with the removal of the WCA, by offering a route to financial support for those with temporary and short-term health conditions, including for those who may not be entitled to PIP and therefore not entitled to the health element of UC.

HealthyUnicorn

isn’t new style and contributions the same? I applied for new style and my letters say contributions usually.

YogiBear

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1004202#Comment_1004202

I'm still on old style CB ESA.

ste_r

I’m on new style fb esa and in the support group, also on pip, get some uc Lycra, carers allowance on uc

My partner works, so uc is reduced, esa is also took off uc

If it wasn’t for lwcra part, wouldn’t get anything

When new 4pt pip rule comes in, I could lose daily living, plus uc, esa to be affected as it will be a time restricted?

So confusing, and stressing

It’s only last couple of years I haven’t worked, I’m 60 now!

Plus now waiting on my pip reassessment after 3 years

luvpink

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1006298#Comment_1006298

Yes it is.

I'm in receipt of it.

Dibby1971

I get contribution based/new style ESA support group and PIP and UC that is reduced by my ESA and my partners income.Im really worried as I don’t understand the changes it all seems to be about LCWA? .
Will CB ESA be changing as well? And because I get a small amount of UC it sounds like we will lose the carer part as my partner looks after me around working.

Popster2020

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1008208#Comment_1008208

There's a proposed migration of NS ESA and NS JSA to a combined time limited Unemployment Health Insurance Contributory Fund (or something garbage to that affect). However, it does say for new claims only, but I guess this could change!

Dibby1971

Thank you popster ! Not sure what that would mean lol but basically there is no plan to stop NS esa support group at the moment or the carer element if UC ?